Thomas "Big Top" Giard Jr., age 41, of Naytahwaush, MN, died unexpectedly on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Mahnomen Health Center, Mahnomen, MN, following health complications which began last fall.

Thomas John, the oldest child of Thomas Sr. and Loretta "Pebbs" (Bush) Giard was born September 25, 1984, in Detroit Lakes, MN.  He grew up in Naytahwaush where he attended grade school.  Following high school in Mahnomen, Big Top joined the workforce.  He worked as a cook for the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen for many years.  Big Top was a wonderful cook, and he thoroughly enjoyed his time spent in the buffet department.  In 2009, he was blessed with a son, Thomas, easily becoming the highlight of his life.  A few years later, Big Top moved to Ohio where he worked a variety of jobs and independently made a life for himself.  He returned to Naytahwaush in 2024, to be closer to family.

Big Top, big in stature, including his heart was so giving.  He enjoyed cooking for his family, driving people to and from and was always willing to lend a helping hand when he could.  He enjoyed family get-togethers, working on cars and listening to all genres of music, but some of his favorite tunes were by ICP (Insane Clown Posse).  He will be greatly missed by many.

Thomas is survived by a son, Thomas (Alex Tibbetts) Porter, of Naytahwaush; three sisters: Iris Giard of Fargo, ND, Mariah Giard of Shakopee, MN, and Claire (Cliff Sargent) Giard of Naytahwaush; brothers, Sonny Porter of White Earth, MN, and Joe (Jenni Wichern) Keezer of Naytahwaush; grandma, Mavis Bush of Naytahwaush; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends, Charles Littlewolf of Mahnomen and Rob Goodwin of Naytahwaush.  He is preceded in death by his grandparents: Joe Bush, William and Helena Giard; parents, Tom and Loretta; brothers, Jesse "Jed" Giard and William "Chill" Giard; sister, Mavis Giard and many extended family members.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Naytahwaush Sports Complex, Naytahwaush, MN. All-Night Wake will begin Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 5:00 pm with a service at 6:30 pm and continue until the time of the service on Wednesday all at the Sports Complex.

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