Thomas "Tom" Kulzer

Thomas A. “Tom” Kulzer, age 62 of Swanville, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, February 26 at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. A private inurnment will be held at a later date.

Thomas Arthur Kulzer was born March 6, 1962 in Melrose, Minnesota to Alcuin and Angie (Olberding) Kulzer. He was united in marriage to Judith “Judi” Pallansch on February 16, 1987 at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Tom worked in construction for J.L. Schwieters for many years and most recently was a truck driver for Manion’s Wholesale Lumber.

Tom was a social butterfly who loved playing pranks and jokes on people. Tom was quite the cook. If you came over to visit, you never left hungry and if you were lucky enough, you would leave with a loaf of his famous homemade bread. Tom loved spending time outdoors, especially when it came to cutting wood, fishing and four wheeling. He loved spending time with his family and friends and working in his wood shop. He adored his grandbabies, including his grandpuppy, Baxter.

Survivors include his loving wife of 38 years, Judi Kulzer of Swanville; children, Jaime Kulzer-Worms of Sartell and Tony (Brooke) Kulzer of Centerville; three grandchildren, Evan Worms, William Kulzer, and Claire Kulzer; step father, Wayne Meyer of Melrose; mother-in-law, Dottie Pallansch of Melrose; brothers and sisters, Arlene Kulzer (Kelly Myers) of Sauk Centre, Dan (Steph) Kulzer of Greenwald, Paul Kulzer of Sauk Centre, Randy Kulzer of Apple Valley, Pete (Carol) Kulzer of Sauk Centre, and Mary Erickson (Jeff) of Apple Valley; brother-in-law, Bob (Claudia) Pallansch of Oak Grove; sister-in-law, Cindi (Joel) Schwieters of Stillwater; and many nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Bob “R.C.” Pallansch; sister-in-law, Michelle Kulzer; and infant niece Jackie Lynn Schwieters.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. You are needed. You are loved. You are not alone. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. If you would like to make a charitable donation, Tom’s favorites were St. Jude Children’s Hospital and Tunnel to Towers Foundation.