Thomas Grier

Thomas M. Grier passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday June 19, 2024, in his residence. Tom was born in Minneapolis to Rodney Fellows Grier and Anne Bugocki Grier on November 6, 1954. He graduated from Hopkins High School and earned a BS in biology and chemistry and a Master of Science degree from the U of M Duluth. He worked for K-B Toys in Tacoma, WA and Pocatello, ID before moving back to Duluth, MN when he started work as a Pharmaceutical Sales Rep for Wyeth Co. in women’s products. His science background and outgoing personality helped him win sales awards and be successful. In 1995 he was in the hospital with neurological problems when he was diagnosed with Lyme Disease and could no longer work. He would struggle with the effects of Lyme the rest of his life. Tom started working part-time for Barnes and Noble Booksellers, which he enjoyed. He also started the Duluth Lyme support group and started attending national Lyme Disease conferences to learn of the latest research. He self-published a large booklet with the current information about Lyme to help patients understand the disease. This led to him spending countless hours on the phone trying to help people get the appropriate treatment. Tom traveled around the region giving lectures about the latest findings about Lyme and produced several DVD’s including “Lyme on the Brain” and “Endemic Ignorance”. The past few years, he was plagued with pain and weakness from Lumbar Spinal Stenosis which caused a bad fall and severely limited his mobility, along with his diabetes, which caused swelling of his legs. His death was unexpected, and he was happy and cheerful despite his health issues. He is survived by his brother Terry Louis Grier and he was preceded in death by his parents and older sister Sharon (Grier) Tweit. He will be missed.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday July 10th from 2pm until the 3pm Memorial Service in Grace Lutheran Church. 5454 Miller Trunk HWY, Hermantown, MN 55811. A time of sharing will take place after the service in the church. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home. 600 E. 2nd St. Duluth, MN 55805. 218-727-3555.