Thomas J. Middendorf, age 64 of North Branch, passed away October 29, 2026 at home. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 4th at Spring Lake Lutheran Church in North Branch. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Thomas “Tom” Middendorf joined Jesus in heaven on October 29, 2026, passing peacefully at his home in North Branch.
Tom was born at home in Maplewood, MN, on Easter Sunday, April 22, 1962. The youngest of four boys, he grew up with his parents, Marv and Melba, and three brothers. Just two houses away lived his lifelong best friend, Bobby (Bob Hein), and his future wife, Karen. Tom and Bob shared many adventures, from working on cars to demolition derbies.
Tom married Karen and joined her on “the farm” in North Branch, where they raised their daughters, Katie and Barb. A devoted husband and dad, he loved supporting his girls at horse shows, rodeos, and 4-H events. He treasured the outdoors, enjoying trail riding, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and four-wheeling. Tom was an active member of Spring Lake Lutheran Church, where he led a worship team with his daughters and their friends during their teenage years. He also enjoyed getting together with his brothers for music and “jam” sessions.
Tom was a valued technician at Boston Scientific, where he was respected for his expertise and even traveled overseas to share his knowledge.
Tom leaves behind a family who loved him dearly. He is survived by his wife, Karen; daughters, Barb Moore and Katie (James) Barnes; brothers, Mike (Lana), Mark (Wendy), and Matthew (Patricia) Middendorf; sister-in-law, Janet; brother-in-law, Robert; grandchildren, Hunter and Skyler Ennis, Taelor, Connor, and Daisy Barnes; and beloved nieces and nephews: Joseph Anderson, Tara (Josh) Strand, Brittney (Jeremy) Schwinn, Brooke (Brian) Hein-Pieh, Blake (Lexie) Hein, Brent Hein, Nicole Middendorf, and Danielle Middendorf.
He was welcomed into heaven by his parents, Marv and Melba Middendorf; parents-in-law, Arlene and Durwood Hein; brother-in-law, Bruce; and nephew, Eddie.
Tom will be remembered for his big heart, love of family and the outdoors, and deep faith. Raised in a family rooted in faith and service, he carried those values throughout his life. His legacy of love, laughter, and friendship will live on in all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Tom: Beloved by many
Tom and the boys lived next door to us. My family moved from Wisconsin to Minnesota in 1961.
What a wonderful family to have as out next door neighbors. I babysat the boys and also practiced the piano at the same time ! Never, did Tom or the other three give me any problems!!
After both families moved away from Lark Ave… Tom would often call and ask, ” Is it a good time to come and visit Elaine?” Yes, of course. My Mom loved Tom and All the boys. Mom so enjoyed the great conversation Tom and she had about her best friend (Melba), and the rest of the family. She would talk about the visit for weeks after.
Take care of each other in the weeks to come. 🙏
Lark Avenue Neighbor
Kathy Ader
Tom was born at home on Easter Sunday, April 22, 1962. Along with the disciple Thomas in the Bible, our Tom boldly confessed the risen Jesus to be “my Lord and my God” (John 20:28). So Romans 14:7-9 reminds us: “For none of us lives to ourselves alone, and none of us dies to ourselves alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.” Tom is now home with Jesus.
Appropriately, in the church year Nov. 1st is All Saints’ Day. It is a good time to remember Tom and all who have gone before us in faith. My favorite hymn for that day goes to the tune of “The Church’s One Foundation.” It even has a verse for Thomas, the Apostle (and our Tom too!)
1 By all Your saints in warfare, For all Your saints at rest,
Your holy name, O Jesus, Forevermore be blest!
For You have won the battle, That they might wear the crown;
And now they shine in glory, Reflected from Your throne.
2 All praise, O Lord, for Thomas, Whose short-lived doubtings prove
Your perfect twofold nature, The fullness of Your love.
To all who live with questions,, A steadfast faith afford;
And grant us grace to know You, True man, yet God and Lord.
3 Then let us praise the Father, And worship God the Son
And sing to God the Spirit, Eternal Three in One,
Till all the ransomed number, Fall down before the throne,
Ascribing pow’r and glory, And praise to God alone.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit ARE with us all! (2 Corinthians 13:13).
I will always remember and cherish all the Christmases or Easters and vacations we shared as a family. It’s hard to clearly define the relationship my siblings and I have with the Middendorf boys. We were/are part of a large family enfolded in God’s love. I have been so blessed. Tom will be forever missed.
So sorry for the loss of Tom, the nicest guy ever!