Thomas James Lynch

Our beloved Thomas James Lynch entered Heaven on April 15, 2026. Tom was a much loved Husband, Father, Grandpa, and Great Grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Edith Lynch; his infant grandson, Ryan Ulstad; and his nephew, Jeff Lynch. Tom is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Ann; his children, Lynn Sheree’ (David) Lesmeister, Greg (Jean Ann) Lynch, and Rocky (Julie) Ulstad; grandchildren, Aaron (Andrea), Christina, Jeff (Shanna), Michael (Courtney), Brittany, Cory, and Megan (Jeremy); 7 great-grandchildren; brother, Dick (Marlys) Lynch; and a nephew and 2 nieces. His cherished dog, Swedie Pie will miss him deeply. Tom also enjoyed so many friends in his life. He especially loved meeting for breakfast with some of them at the American Legion on Wednesdays in a group named “The Liars Club” which they affectionately called themselves.

Tom was born in Tracy, MN on August 1, 1938. He and his brother Dick spent most all their lives growing up in Forest Lake, MN. Tom graduated from Forest Lake HS in 1956 where he excelled in band playing the clarinet and saxophone. He had his own band named “The Tom Lynch Band” that played for numerous HS and community events. In later years, he continued playing the clarinet in Forest Lake’s German Band. He was a graduate of the University of Minnesota. His father was one of 7 to gather funding to purchase land for what today is Forest Hills Golf Course in Forest Lake. Tom’s job was to gather rocks to clear the land for the next steps in development. After HS, Tom joined the Air National Guard and was drafted into the Air Force shortly after. He was a mechanic who worked on jet engines. Indicative of his adventurous spirit was also his role as one of Minnesota’s first hot air balloon racers!

His main lifelong hobby was golf. It was actually beyond a hobby as he pursued recognition as a “Certified Golf Professional” which allowed him to teach others the skills and techniques of the game he so loved. He won many trophies for both individual and team efforts through the years. He and his wife Mary Ann, also enjoyed years of sailing in the Forest Lake’s Sailing Association and in regattas on Leach Lake. They won many awards together and had so many adventures!

Early on, Tom owned a meat shop called “Sausage Discount” in Columbia Heights. He was known for his sausage recipes that he shared with others. But, most of his life Tom worked as a Realtor where he served the Forest Lake and Metro area as a Top Sales producer in the ‘70’s-2000’s. He had a reputation for being an honest, dedicated worker who built relationships with his clients. His final job (up to 85 years old) was as a Ranger at Tanner’s Brook Golf Course. He took the early 6:00am shift! Part of his connection to others was telling jokes and this endeared him to others at work as well as his family and friends.

Tom was a well loved Grandpa. He was so proud of each of his grandchildren and their accomplishments and the good people they have become. We will all miss him so!

Visitation 4-6:30 PM Monday, May 11th at Roberts Family Funeral Home, Forest Lake. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Tuesday, May 12th with visitation beginning at 10 AM at Church of St. Peter, Forest Lake. Interment at Calvary Cemetery, Forest Lake.

Special recognition and gratitude goes to Cedar Creek Senior Living staff and the Lifespark Hospice team in East Bethel where he resided during his final months. Their kindness, compassion, dedication, and commitment to serving him has been beyond words. We will always treasure our memories there. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Lifespark Hospice* to further support their efforts to provide care and comfort to those in need.

*Lifespark Hospice. 5320 W. 23rd Street. Suite #130. St. Louis Park, MN. 55416