Thomas “Tom, Tommy, TJ” Leibold, beloved father, grandfather, master tale-spinner, and friend to all who appreciated a good laugh and a stronger cup of coffee, passed away peacefully at home on July 5, 2025, in Shoreview, MN, at the age of 84.
Tom lived joyfully, laughed frequently, and loved generously. Born with a twinkle in his eye and a story on his lips in N. St. Paul to Agnes and Adolph Leibold, he was a proud graduate of St. Agnes High School – home of the Aggies – where he forged friendships that would last a lifetime. After high school and studies at the University of Minnesota, Tom joined 3M, where his charm and light-heartedness earned him a lasting place in the hearts of coworkers.
But perhaps the most important chapter of Tom’s life began when he found strength, purpose, and community in Alcoholics Anonymous. Over nearly three decades, Tom not only committed himself to his own recovery, but threw himself headfirst into helping others do the same—with candor, compassion, and character. He sponsored many, mentored countless more, and filled meeting rooms with laughter, hope, and the occasional exaggerated anecdote.
Tom had many loves, but was never happier than with a fishing rod or golf club in one hand and a wild story in the other. He lit up every room – not just because he had a great smile, but because he made sure you did too. He was the kind of guy who could turn a 5-minute errand into a 45-minute conversation with a stranger, and you’d better believe they’d both leave smiling.
He loved:
- Chasing golf balls with his buddies, clubs perpetually rattling in the trunk
- Fishing—on the water or on the ice
- Meeting up with his beloved morning coffee crew and “bagel bunch” to solve the world’s problems
- Frequenting the Shoreview Community Center, where he made great friends and occasionally acknowledged the existence of exercise equipment
- Attending AA meetings, mentoring others, and always leaving his mark as a source of good humor and steadfast support
- Discovering his Iowa roots and reconnecting with family
- Spending time with his precious granddaughter Everly, who had him wrapped around her little finger
- Breaking rules and eating sweets even knowing he shouldn’t
Tom is survived by his daughters, Jill and Meghan Leibold, and his cherished granddaughter, Everly, who brought him endless joy (and was a willing listener to all of Grandpa Tom’s bedtime adventure stories).
Tom found his tribe everywhere he went: among Aggies classmates, in fishing boats and golf carts, in AA rooms, and over countless cups of coffee. If you ever heard one of his stories, you know: they weren’t always factually accurate – but they were always full of heart.
Tom’s legacy lives on in every smile he inspired, every tale retold, and every person who found a little light through his warmth, wisdom, or relentless wit. If life were a series of tall tales, Tom’s would be the kind you never wanted to end.
A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights, MN. Friends and family are invited to gather beginning at 4:00 PM, with a special Story Time for all to share your stories about Tom beginning at 6:00 PM – because if Tom taught us anything, it’s that stories are life.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Alcoholics Anonymous in Tom’s honor. (To make a memorial gift, visit contribution.aa.org or contact your local AA chapter.)
Tom’s family finds comfort in knowing that his stories – and his spirit – will live on in every good laugh and kind deed. So honor his memory: tell a tale, hug your people, laugh louder than necessary, and always be generous with your time and your smile.