Thomas Cummings

Thomas Gale Cummings, born January 21, 1950, raised in Wells, MN, was the beloved son of Gale "Spike" and Helen Cummings. Tom grew up with a deep love for sports and his community. As a 3-sport athlete at Wells High School, he excelled in football, basketball, and track, and took pride in his role as a lifeguard and manager of the local pool.

Following his service in the US Army from 1971 to 1973, where he was stationed in Germany, Tom returned home to Wells and reconnected with the love of his life and best friend, Genell Giese. The couple married on August 6, 1976, and later moved to Mankato, MN, where they began their family and raised three sons. Tom cherished his time in Mankato, building lasting friendships, playing softball, hosting pool parties, and being an active member of Hosanna Lutheran Church.

Tom's career took him to Rochester, MN, where he worked for Heartman Insurance from 1988 until his retirement in 2012, specializing in group health insurance and retirement planning.

Tom's true passion came from coaching his boys in youth sports, including football, basketball, and baseball. Known as a hard-nosed but well-respected and dedicated coach, he had a gift for fostering a positive competitive spirit. Tom created an environment where players had fun and developed a genuine passion for the sport. His impact on the youth sports community in Rochester during the 1990s was profound. When not coaching, Tom could often be found at his sons' sporting events-or any sporting event-usually with popcorn in hand. He was a devoted and proud parent, never missing a collegiate football game when Pat and Sam played for Eau Claire, and attending most games when Sam was coaching, regardless of the travel commitment.

After retiring, Tom enjoyed traveling the world with Genell, playing golf, going to the movies, and spending time with his grandchildren. He found his greatest joy in life's simple pleasures, particularly while relaxing in his easy chair with his dog on his lap, watching TV alongside his wife.

Tom passed away on September 11, 2024, in his home at the age of 74. He is survived by his wife, Genell; his three sons, Kasey (Anessa) Cummings, Patrick (Rebecca) Cummings, and Samuel Cummings (Anna Button); his six grandchildren, Emily, Katie, Anna, Peyton, Dax, and Finley; and his sister, Merry Dee Wachal.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gale and Helen Cummings; his brother, Jerry (Maryann) Cummings; his brother-in-law, Dave Wachal; and his father- and mother-in-law, Marvin and Audrey Giese.

Visitation will be held 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN and one hour prior to the service at the church. A Memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 1212 12th Ave NW, Rochester, MN.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Cummings family.