Thomas R Wright

life story

All that I know of tomorrow is that providence will rise before the sun. - Jean Lacordaire

Thomas R Wright left his earthly home to be with Jesus on Saturday May 7, 2022. He died peacefully at home where he had been cared for by his wife and children. Tom had been living with Parkinson's for many years, and faced the challenges of this disease with dignity and grace.

He was born in Aitkin, MN on October 28, 1942 to Carl and Mary Wright. After graduating from Aitkin High School, he went on to get a degree in music at Hamline University in St Paul, MN. He continued his education by earning a Master’s degree in theology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX.

Tom married Judy Kallsen in 1965 and had 3 children Sarah (Dave) Wright Walstrom, Kara (Royce) Phillips, Adam (Sara), 9 grandchildren Joshua Phillips, Christopher (Emily) Phillips, Amelia Phillips, Davey Wright Walstrom, Derek Wright Walstrom, Jacqueline Wright Walstrom, Joseph Haney (Bethany), Kallsen Wright and Parker Wright, and 3 great grandchildren Walden, Shane and Molly.

Tom had a full professional life. He started his career as a pastor at Brooklyn United Methodist Church in Brooklyn Center, MN. He transitioned into private practice offering marriage, family and individual counselling in 1972, and continued with that until he retired in January 2021. In addition, Tom wrote a weekly column for the local newspaper for many years, authored 3 books about parenting, and was a founder of the Alfred Adler Institute (now Adler Graduate School). He taught many of the core classes there, acted as dean of students, and worked with didactic students. Through his work he touched many lives and made a difference in the world.

Tom had a passion for music, particularly choral music. He enjoyed singing in the choir at his church, and made many wonderful friends there. For many years he wrote a weekly prayer for the choir. He wrote several hymns, as well as lullabies for his grandchildren.

He was an amazing husband, dad, grandpa and great grandpa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Mary Wright, older brother Kurt (Patricia) and great grandson Sullivan Jack Haney. He is survived by his wife, Judy, his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, brother Dan (Fawn), sister Kathleen and many nieces and nephews.

memorial service

Funeral Service for Thomas R Wright

May 21, 2022

Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church 511 Groveland Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403, USA

There will be a visitation at the church at 12:00, service at 1:00. Assorted cookies, bars and muffins with coffee, lemonade and water will be served following the service.

For everyone's safety, the family requires masks for unvaccinated people.