Thomas Michael Powell

Thomas “Tommi” Michael Powell, age 58, of Minneapolis–Saint Paul passed away peacefully on May 23, 2023.

Tommi was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 5, 1964. In 1965, his family moved to Madison, WI, where Tommi attended Edgewood Campus School, St. Maria Goretti Elementary School, and Edgewood High School.

Following undergraduate study at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Tommi worked at Sub-Zero Refrigeration in Madison for more than twenty years. One of his proudest accomplishments at Sub-Zero was the role he played in the early development of the company’s wine storage line.

After moving to Minneapolis–Saint Paul in 2007, Tommi worked in various management positions including with Target, Kowalski’s Markets, and Cub Grocery. Most recently, Tommi managed his own house painting and repair business — he was praised for his creativity, attention to detail, and tireless commitment to his clients.   

In his youth, Tommi was an avid competitive swimmer, a talented skateboarder, an expert skier and ski instructor, and he enjoyed days on the golf course. More recently, Tommi was a gifted gardener, creating vibrant home flower gardens and growing delicious summer vegetables.

Tommi was endlessly kind, caring, and loving. He was known for his gregarious personality and his honest, strong work ethic. Tommi was always there for those experiencing tough times. During Thanksgiving and Christmas, he would cook with two large roasters, prepare all the trimmings, and invite friends and colleagues who had no place to go for the holidays.

Tommi is survived by his parents Fred and Janet Powell; brothers Robert (Carol), Michael (Alyona), Daniel (Sachiko); nephew Oskar, and nieces Ophelia and Bellamie; nephew Joe (Riley) and niece Laurel; aunt Donna; uncle Jack; and several cousins.

A visitation to honor Tommi's life will take place on Thursday, June 1 from 3–5 p.m. at Willwerscheid Funeral Home, 1167 Grand Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55105

Condolences: www.willwerscheid.com

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 9, 2023 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Parish, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison, WI 53717. Visitation will be from 9:30–11:00 a.m. and the 11:00 a.m. Mass will be followed by internment at Resurrection Cemetery in Madison.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul or a charity of your choice.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road  Madison

(608) 238-3434