THOMAS J. "TOM" LEINES

Thomas J. “Tom” Leines, 62, of Pike Lake, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013 at Essentia Health with his wife by his side.

Tom was born in Jamestown, Minn., on Jan. 22, 1951 to Harold and Helen (Ross) Leines.

He graduated from Jamestown High School in 1969 and attended NDSU as part of the ROTC program. He married Mary Beth Matzke on June 7, 1975. After graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering he attended pilot training in Del Rios, Texas. During the next several years he resided in Japan where he flew RF4 aircraft on surveillance missions. After he returned to the United States he was stationed at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas before retiring from the U.S. Air Force. Tom then enlisted in the Air National Guard and the family moved to Duluth. During his time with the Guard he worked for Minnesota Power as a customer representative. After retiring from the Air National Guard in 1994, Tom continued on with Minnesota Power as a corporate pilot. Flying was Tom’s passion.

He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, was involved with the Rotary Club of the Duluth Skyline and especially enjoyed spending time with his family. Tom will be remembered for being a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Tom is survived by his wife Mary; children, Matthew of Fairborn, OH, Joshua (Jen) of Kapaa, HI; one grandson Gavin who was Tom’s world; four sisters, Jean (Don) Ratts of Montpelier, N.D., Ann (Mike) Ross of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Rosemary Olson of Bismarck, N.D., Marypat (Steve) Wahl of Jamestown, N.D., as well as many other extended family members and friends.

VISITATION: 12 Noon until the 1 p.m. memorial service on Monday, Jan. 28, 2013 in Pike Lake Presbyterian Church 5611 Martin Rd. Duluth. Services entrusted to Cremation Society of Minnesota 624-5200

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