Thomas "Tom" C. Birhanzel

Thomas C. “Tom” Birhanzel, age 79, of Alexandria, died on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Nelson Care Center by Vivie.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 8, 2025, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Benson with Rev. Jack Baumgarn officiating. Interment will be held at the Benson City Cemetery. Full military honors will be accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard and the Benson VFW Post 1403.

Visitation is one hour prior to the service.

Thomas Charles Birhanzel was born on March 9, 1946, in Benson, Minnesota, to Frederick and Della (Hamann) Birhanzel. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Malachy’s Catholic Church in Clontarf. Tom graduated from Benson High School in 1964 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Dakota at Ellendale.

In August 1968, Tom was united in marriage to Candace Ann Bunn in Ellendale. Their union was blessed with two children, a son, Richard, and a daughter, Wendy. Shortly after their wedding, Tom enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was first stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, before serving a year in Vietnam. He completed his military service at Fort Benning, Georgia.

Following his honorable discharge, Tom and his family lived in several communities including Hector, Minnesota; Glasgow, Montana; and Grand Forks, North Dakota, before eventually settling in Pierre, South Dakota. There, Tom taught math and algebra, coached football and boys’ golf, and often kept score at basketball games—something he genuinely enjoyed.

While living in Pierre, Tom reconnected with a high school friend, Susan Harstad. They were married in December 2000. After retirement, Tom and Susan moved to Benson, and later to Alexandria, where they made their home.

Tom enjoyed hunting, farming, working on the ranch, and watching cattle auctions from South Dakota. He loved following sports of all kinds and especially enjoyed cheering on teams from Minnesota and South Dakota—above all, he remained a loyal and lifelong fan of the Minnesota Vikings.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Candace; siblings, Junice Eckstein, Mila Grahn, Patricia Heino, Darlene Lacey, Gayle Stelter, and James Birhanzel.

Tom is survived by his wife of 24 years, Susan; two children, Richard (Lisa) Birhanzel of Chanhassen and Wendy Birhanzel of Fountain, Colorado; brother Lonnie (Bev) Birhanzel of Richfield; three grandchildren, Hans (Monica) Birhanzel of Austin, Texas, Serena Birhanzel of Chicago, Illinois, and Lars Birhanzel of Malibu, California; great-grandson, Wolfgang; two step-children, Jodi (Todd) Tongen of Watson and Malisa (Pete) Ervin of Appleton; five step-grandchildren, Coral (Andrew) Wehrkamp, Crystal Ervin, Morgan Ervin, Alexandra Tongen, and Bryce Tongen; nine step-great-grandchildren, Avery, Scarlett, Oliver, Grace, Harbor, Arella, River, Parker, and Dax; along with many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Cameron Rogers, Bryce Tongen, Andrew Wehrkamp, Steve Lacey, Matt Birhanzel, and Dan Birhanzel.