Thomas C Sailstad

Thomas C Sailstad, 85, of Duluth passed away on Saturday November 9 at Ecumen Lakeshore from complications of Alzheimer’s. He was born in Duluth on August 20, 1939 to Winslow and Helen Sailstad. A graduate of Red Wing High School, Tom went on to achieve a Business Administration degree from Antioch College in Ohio.

Following college, Tom worked briefly for the Dayton’s Corporation before joining his father and older brother Bob, as an owner of Winslow’s Incorporated. Younger brother Rick joined shortly thereafter and Winslow’s grew to a large chain of Hallmark Gift Stores located throughout the upper Midwest.

Tom met his wife, Mavis, while she was working for Winslow's. They were married on August 27, 1966. They were married for 45 years up until Mavis’s death in 2012. After retirement he enjoyed wintering at Suncoast Resort in Port Richey Florida, where he was known as every dogs best friend.

 Beyond his career with Winslow’s, Tom had a passion for volunteerism. He served in capacities with Aspenwood Condo Association, Chester Park Church, Ecumen Resident Council, Glen Avon Hockey, North Star Fire Department, Redemption Ministry; and had stints on the Board of Directors for Duluth Area YMCA, Lighthouse for the Blind, Lions Eye Bank, and Miller Dwan. He was a past President of the Duluth Lions Club and was 5M District Governor for The Lions Club.

 Tom is preceded in death by his wife, Mavis. He is survived by his sons, Chris (Karie) and Mike; grandson, Noah(Tiffany); siblings, Bob (Marlene), Nancy (Bob) Schulenberg, Rick (Jody Ondich) Sailstad; brother in law, Rob Anseth; numerous nephews, nieces, and great nephews and nieces. A Celebration of Tom’s life is scheduled for Saturday, January 11 from 1:00 to 3:00 in the August Fitgers Room, 600 E Superior St., Duluth. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Minnesota Lions Vision Foundation.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home 218-727-3555.