Thomas Kraft Keimel

Thomas Kraft Keimel

July 14, 1984 to March 28, 2022

Of North Oaks Minnesota, died at age 37 following an intense year-long battle with cancer.  He is survived by his parents Ellen Kraft and John “Jack” Keimel; by his brother and best friend, Stephen Keimel; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.  Thomas graduated from Irondale High School in 2002 and then went to Syracuse University where he completed a bachelor of fine arts in 2007.  Thomas had a love for drawing even at a very young age, and further developed his drawing skills through high school and college where he also explored his artistic interests in stained and fused glass, pottery, and graphic and industrial design applications. 

Thomas met every challenge in life with courage and dignity.  He was diagnosed with adult-onset Tay-Sachs disease at age 19, which gradually robbed him of the fine motor coordination needed to fully express his artistic ideas.  He was diagnosed with an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma at age 36, which he, again, fought bravely without complaint.  Throughout his life he was known for his beautiful smile and infectious laugh.

Visitation with family and friends Friday, April 1, 2022 from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake.  Visitation will continue on Saturday, April 2, at 10:00 am at Saint Mary of the Lake Catholic Church, followed by Mass at 11:00 am.  Burial at Saint Mary of the Lake Catholic Cemetery and a reception at Mueller Memorial to follow the Mass. 

Memorials preferred to the Thomas Kraft Keimel Memorial Scholarship Fund via the  Mounds View Schools Education Foundation .  If you would prefer to send a check to MVSEF, please include Thomas Kraft Keimel Scholarship Fund in the memo line and forward to MVSEF, 4570 Victoria Street N, Shoreview, MN 55126.