Thomas Beaver

Thomas (Tom) Evjen Beaver died November 4, 2026 at the age of 91 in hospice at his Lower Cullen Lake home in Nisswa, MN. He had suffered a catastrophic brain hemorrhage one week prior to his death.

Tom was born December 14, 1934 in Rochester, MN to Lillian (Evjen) and Bert Beaver. He grew up in Kasson, MN. He earned a BA in art, biology and education from St. Olaf College and a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Minnesota. Tom served six years in the National Guard where he used the drumming skills learned in high school by playing drums in the Guard band. He spent his entire 39 years of teaching in the Edina Public School System where he was best known as the high school art teacher, teaching everything from photography to ceramics to painting and art history. He expanded his love of working with young people by coaching golf and cross country skiing. He raised a daughter in Bloomington, MN. As a father he encouraged a sense of humor, appreciation for creativity, respect for nature, and a curiosity for life.

Although Tom created several paintings his wife felt were good enough to hang throughout their house, his true artistic love was wood sculpture. He was quite good and his sculptures are displayed throughout his house and in St. John’s Lutheran Church in Kasson.

After retiring from teaching in 1997 and moving to the lake with his wife, he began a second “career” of working to protect the lakes and environment of Crow Wing County. He served on the boards of his lake association, the county coalition of lake associations, and the former Minnesota Lakes Association. He enjoyed fishing, sailing, windsurfing, golfing, and especially cross country skiing in winter. He maintained a ski trail on the lake and on nearby county and state land to share his love of the sport with others.

Tom is survived by his wife, Ann, and their well loved and spoiled dogs Sonny and Toby; his daughter, Heidi, her longtime friend, Rick, and his granddog Gusto; his sisters Susan Ruble and Betsy Barry; nieces and nephews, Jodi LaChance, Jenna Ruble, Wendy Barry, Tamara Peeples, Michelle Aurelius, and John Barry and their children and grandchildren; and several cousins and their families.

A private family and close friends celebration of his life will be held at the lake next summer. Following his wishes, rather than flowers please direct any memorials to the cause or charity of your choice, or plant a memorial tree.