Watch Tom's Funeral

Thomas "Tom" Rousu, age 87, of Callaway, MN, died on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, MN.

Thomas Donald Delano was born December 28, 1937, the 10th child born to Ale and Emma (Pellinen) Rousu at home in Sugarbush Township, rural Callaway.  He grew up attending Goat Ranch Country School District #126 and graduated in March of 1955 from the North Central School of Agriculture in Grand Rapids, MN.  Following graduation, Tom helped on the farm and entered the workforce in the field of construction.  He was drafted into the US Army, where he was stationed in Alaska and proudly served during peace time from 1961-1963. Tom was honorably discharged on August 20, 1963.

Returning to the Callaway area, Thomas was united in marriage to Myrna Rouse in 1965.  They were blessed with four children, only to lose their oldest, a daughter, Vickie at birth.  The couple built a home near Richwood where they raised their sons.  Over the years, Tom worked mostly as a carpenter. First working with Kaiser-Rousu-Spry Construction before becoming self-employed and running Rousu Construction.  In addition to his construction business, Tom enjoyed trapping for many years and driving.  He could often be found taking Sunday drives when the kids were younger or endless trips up and down the Goat Ranch Road taking in the scenery and visiting with the neighbors.  After several years, Tom and Myrna parted ways and in 1991, Tom married Lee Anderson and they resided near Callaway.  He retired in the mid 90's from construction, however, in 1996, Tom began working at Hedahl's Automotive in Detroit Lakes, MN, until 2010.  He was their parts driver and couldn't believe he could get paid for driving around all day.  Lee passed in February of 2025 and with Tom's declining health, he moved to the Veterans Home in Fergus Falls in May of 2025.

Tom always enjoyed hunting, trapping, gardening, bird watching and simply spending time in the woods.  He held membership with MN Deer Hunters Association Smokey Hills Chapter.  Tom planted food plots for the deer at his house and tended to a large garden each year.  Another hobby that kept Tom busy was woodworking and making bird houses.  When he wasn't building, he could be found reading up on some history or playing cards, especially Pinochle with family and friends.  Tom will long be remembered for his gruff exterior but heart of gold and witty comeback lines.  Above all, he loved the great outdoors and all his family, especially his grandchildren.  He will be missed by many.

Tom is survived by his sons: William (Maxine) Rousu of Bagley, MN, Donald (Cheyanne Farley) Rousu of Waubun, MN, and Richard Rousu of Callaway; four grandchildren: Caitlyn, Jordan, Faith and Remington;  four sisters: Phyllis St. Claire of Callaway, Claire Hill of Aitkin, MN, Jeanie Johnson also of Callaway and Patsy Johnson of Meadowland, MN; two brothers, Paul (Margie) Rousu and Dave (Delores) Rousu, both of Callaway; sisters-in-law, Sue Rousu of Callaway and Jennie Rousu of Fargo, ND; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by an infant daughter, Vickie; his parents; his second wife, Leola "Lee"; four brothers: George, Charlie, Danny, and Tim; three sisters and brothers-in law: Mildred (Don) Luedtke, Blanche (Johnny) Niemi, Donna (Neil) Wayman; four brothers-in-law: Eldred St. Claire, Simon Hill, Victor Johnson and Jim Johnson; and an infant sister, Patsy.

Blessed be the memory of Thomas D. Rousu.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 7:00 pm on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen, MN, with Prayer Service beginning at 6:30 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Northern Lights Freedom and Life Church, Callaway, MN.  Burial will be held in the Auran Finnish Cemetery, rural Callaway.