Hanneman, Thomas "Tom" was born 6-29-52 in Lacrosse, WI and passed unexpectedly at home in his sleep on 12-18-2020 at age 68. Tom was predeceased by his father, an infant brother, younger brother John, and 6 weeks prior by his son-in-law Joe Tapper. Tom is survived by his wife and best friend of 44 years, Nancy (Johnson) and their children and grandchildren: Adam and children Jack and Mia; Courtney Tapper and daughters Ryn, Shae and Laine; Kyle and his wife Ashley. Tom is further survived by his mother Elaine and 6 siblings and their spouses and children: Diane, Caroline Balch (Samantha and Henry), Jane (Charlie) Olson (Emily and Jennifer), Mary (Mick) Cochrane (Sam and Henry), Michelle Boeck (Carl) wife and son of John, Jim (Margaret Spriggs) (Jane and Leo), Nancy (Mike) Sullivan (Avery and Melissa). He is also survived by Nancy's sister Donna (Wally) Abramson and their sons Erick (Bethany), Miles (Holly) and Alex. Tom moved to MN with his family in the 1960s. Tom and Nancy met while working in the toy department at Donaldson's department store in 1972, and married July 30, 1976. Tom had a long, successful career in television sports reporting starting at WCCO TV in 1973, then moving to radio and television broadcasting for the new Minnesota Timberwolves in 1989, including a stint with NBA Radio, and then on to Fox Sports North in 2012. Tom received the Ray Scott Award for excellence in sports broadcasting in 2004, was a 14-time Upper Midwest Regional Emmy winner and was presented The Silver Circle Award Honoring an Extraordinary Career and Contributions to the Television Industry by the Upper Midwest chapter, National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in November 2020. He traveled extensively in his career - covering the 1984 Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, the MN Twins 1987 World Series Championship run, and each NBA team's home court numerous times. But his favorite place to be was at home with Nancy and all of their kids and grands gathered. Tom so loved and was so very proud of his family, and cherished their time together. He was the best Boppa to 5 precious grands. Tom was afforded an opportunity to take Nancy on a working cruise with the NBA in 1994, they went reluctantly - and became converts to this way of vacationing. They tried to cruise annually - bringing their children, going as a couple, or with Donna and Wally, and sending each of their newlywed kids on a honeymoon cruise. Tom was a self-described cruise nerd, and encouraged anyone who would listen to try cruising. Tom suffered a heart attack and survived a sextuple bypass in July 2019. After arduous physical rehab, he was determined to return to work, and cohosted the Twins short run in the 2019 playoffs. Tom had a clever way with words, was an unapologetic punster, loved to joke, was master of the Hanneman Pause, was blessed with a mellifluous voice, was honestly surprised when recognized and would always take time to talk. He would delight his grands with silly impersonations and stories and loved taking car rides to nowhere (causing some anxiety for the kids before GPS). He was fascinated by astronomy and NASA, had a deep appreciation for old radios, photographing clouds, and collecting beautiful geodes. He will be forever missed and our hearts are shattered by his passing. One of our granddaughters said "Boppa had an extra 18 months, he could have died when he had his heart attack." Tom used those extra months to connect with friends, reconnect with old friends, and tell each of his family members he loved them every time they spoke. Because of COVID we will gather to celebrate Tom when it is safe to do so. Please email CelebratingTomHanneman@gmail.com for details. Memorials to Meals on Wheels, 1200 Washington Ave. So, Suite 380, Mpls, MN 55415 or meals-on-wheels.com , you can choose who to honor when you make a donation, or donor's choice.

Published on January 31, 2021