Thomas "Tom" Allen Phenicie

Thomas “Tom” A. Phenicie, 77, of Cottage Grove, passed away Thursday, October 17, 2024, at United Health in St. Paul.

Tom was born on November 27, 1946, in St. Paul to Carlos and Laura (Stipe) Phenicie. He graduated from Washington High School in 1964, and then spent a little time working for Northern Pacific Railroad. Tom was drafted into the United States Army December 13, 1965.

In October of 1966, while in North Carolina at Fort Bragg, Tom met the love of his life, Margaret “Peggy” Stephenson. The two quickly started dating and married the year after on June 23, 1967. The couple would later have two daughters, Julie and Jennifer, and make their home in Cottage Grove.

Tom spent time working for American Hoist and Derrick, American Security, and was a bus driver for the South Washington County Schools. Tom was a firefighter and EMT working 30+ years for Cottage Grove, Fort Snelling, and City of St. Paul. finally retiring in 2011. 

From April to November, Tom spent as much of his spare time at his cabin in McGregor as he could. There, he enjoyed everything outdoors – camping, hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling. Many planned fishing trips were cancelled to fix his truck, which always seemed to break down just as he was leaving. As a history buff, Tom, Peggy, and his daughters enjoyed traveling, especially to historic sites and battlefields such as those from the Civil War.

Tom’s most favorite pastime began in 2004 when he was given the title “grandpa”, and he started chasing grandkids around. His grandkids were the light of his life, and many daily rituals were centered around them. Tom was a good provider and protector for his family and was known to be cheap and stubborn. 

Left to cherish Tom’s memory is his wife of 57 years, Peggy; his daughters, Julie Phenicie and Jennifer (John II) Jaso; his beloved grandchildren: Tyler White, John Jaso III, and Grace Jaso; his sister-in-law, Gloria Stephenson; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his favorite canine companion, Remy.

Preceding him in death were his parents; his parents-in-law, Floyd and Dora Stephenson; and his sister, Donna Mans.

A time for visitation will take place from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at Kok Funeral Home in Cottage Grove. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Kok Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior. Burial will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the family to help cover expenses.

For those who would like to participate in Tom's service via livestream, you can watch the service on Monday, October 28, 2024 at 11 AM (CST). It can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page, and "CLICK PLAY" to begin. Please leave a message of support on our Tribute Wall to let the family know you were able to watch the service. If you are having troubles with the Livestream, please accept our apologies, but the service will be available to watch later in the day.