I passed away on October 19, 2024 at the age of 64, but the cause was kidney cancer. We received the bad news in April 2021, but thanks to modern medicine and the prayers of many people, the disease was kept at bay for another three years. I was born on October 15, 1960 in Lake City, Minnesota to Laverne and Arliss (Meyer) Dunman. My real name is Thomas Laverne Damman, but I was known by other names, primarily Julie’s Husband, Carston’s Father, and Morgan’s Father. I was proud of all the names and welcomed additional names such as Anna (Johnson) Dunman and Diego Nevarez’s father-in-law.
I am proud to be the fifth generation raised on the Dunman family farm. No matter what job I took, I had to be given the opportunity to stay on the farm. I wanted to keep the farm boy to myself. On July 12, 1986, I married my one true love, Julie (Hepelman). We shared a wonderful life and two children (Kirston and Morgan). In 2007, I pursued specialized studies in the face and earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing from Rochester Community and Technical College. I worked as a registered nurse in internal medicine performing cardiac stress testing at Fairview Hospital and Clinics in Red Wing, Minnesota. In 2016, I took a job at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where I also performed cardiac stress tests in the echocardiogram and nuclear lab. I worked there until I was diagnosed with cancer and until I got through it and went on disability leave. In March 2021, at the age of 60, I completed my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Augsburg.
My passion is the outdoors. I loved the land and what it had and produced. Being outdoors has given us the opportunity to use our land for more than just farming. I enjoyed biking, hiking, racing, camping, hunting, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors. My biggest passion was outdoor rock climbing. I started climbing at a young age and passed it on to my children. Rock climbing is the legacy they celebrate for me by mastering this sport.
My greatest pride in life was my children. I enjoyed participating in their musical, sports, academic, and church activities. I taught, coached and coached them as best I could and they grew into outstanding young men. Lastly, I would like to thank my wife for making me the kind of person I am. I couldn’t have accomplished these things without her.
I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by Julie and my children as I battle cancer, especially over the past few weeks. I also had some very close and dear friends and family who provided comfort and support.
My life has always been based on science and faith, so when I finally couldn’t beat cancer, I decided to leave my body to help the doctors and nurses at Mayo Clinic further their abilities. This is where I wanted to return the favor.
Please join us on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Lake City, MN for a Celebration of Life for Me presided over by Pastor Paul Miller. Friends and family may visit from 9 a.m. Saturday until the time of service at the church. Memorials may be directed to www.accessfund.org, First Lutheran Church of Lake City, or a charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements by Schleicher Funeral Home, Lake City Chapel. Guest registration can be signed at www.schleicherfuneralhomes.com.
