Thomas Royal Wedward, 89, of Hermantown, went home to his Heavenly Father on April 30, 2024.

Tom was born in Milwaukee, WI on December 25, 1934 to Anton and Gladys Wedward. He met the love of his life, Barbara Steger, in June of 1950. They married in 1955 and celebrated 68 years of marriage together. During those years together, they raised two children and were blessed with five grandchildren. Tom and Barb enjoyed fishing, boating, and camping with their children. They traveled to Ireland, England, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Mexico, Canada and Cuba.

Tom graduated from Milwaukee Lutheran High School, the University of Wisconsin, and Chicago Lutheran Seminary, earning a PhD in divinity. He served as Assistant Pastor in Milwaukee, WI, Pastor in Mandan, ND, and Senior Pastor in Fargo, ND. Tom worked for the Minnesota Workforce Center as an Area Office Manager, retiring in 2000. Following his retirement, he worked part-time for the Federal Government and was also a lay minister. Tom was very active in community organizations. He was a member of the Mandan ND Jaycees, President of the Mandan United Way, Recording Secretary of the Duluth Labor Body, Union State Board Member, Executive Board of the Duluth United Way, Chaplain of the Duluth Elks Lodge, Chaplain of the State Elks Association, President of the Duluth Italian American Club, member of Mt Olive Lutheran Church and President of his Parish, President of the Lutheran Pre-School Association, Vice-President of Thrivent Insurance Company Local Board, and President of the Duluth Sons of the American Legion.

Tom is survived by his wife, Barbara; children, Sherri (John) Schuchmann, and Mike (Dana) Wedward; and grandchildren, Nicole and Bryan Pinnow; Dylan, Cole, and Lauren Wedward.

Visitation to be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 4th at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 2012 E Superior St, with Memorial Service at 11:00 AM and reception to follow.