Thomas Robert O'Toole

Thomas Robert O'Toole

Thomas Robert O'Toole, 79, of Crystal, ND, passed away peacefully at his home on August 25, 2025, after courageously battling pancreatic cancer for two and a half years.

Tom was born to Robert E. O'Toole and Elizabeth (Whelan) O'Toole along with his twin sister, Susan, on October 3, 1945. He graduated from Crystal Public School in 1963 and attended the University of North Dakota before being drafted into the United States Army in December 1965, serving his country with honor in Vietnam from October 3, 1966, to September 27, 1967.

Upon returning home, Tom completed his education at the University of North Dakota, a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, graduating in December 1971 with a degree in accounting and earned his CPA. He married Linda (Loseth) O'Toole on August 14, 1971, and began his career with Touche Ross & Co. in Minneapolis, MN. After working for the Offutt family in Fargo, ND, from 1980 to 1984, Tom returned to the family farm in Crystal, ND, in the summer of 1984 to establish T.E. O'Toole Farms alongside his cousin Brian O'Toole and uncles Richard and Jack O'Toole. He farmed until his retirement in 2008.

Tom was deeply committed to his community, serving on numerous boards including the Northeast Regional Water District, Red River Valley Potato Growers Association, Wells Fargo Community Board, Valley Public Schools school board, and Pembina County Memorial Hospital. He was an active member of the Clifford Lane American Legion Post 107 and St. Patrick's Church in Crystal.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife Linda; his children Kevin O'Toole (Theresa) of Shoreview, MN, and Jennifer Zebrasky (Todd) of Halifax, MA; five cherished grandchildren: Delaney O'Toole, Cassidy O'Toole, Thomas O'Toole, Taylor Zebrasky, and Shay Zebrasky; his twin sister Susan Uhas (Jack) of Minnetonka, MN; sister-in-law Debbie Rice (Scott) and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church of Crystal, ND. Visitation will be Saturday for one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN. In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorials to the HIA Hospice, St. Patrick’s Cemetery Association or to the donor’s choice.

An online guest book is available at: www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com.

The Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton is in charge of the arrangements.