Thomas Francis Roers, devoted husband and father, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, April 29, 202; he was 85 years old. At the time of his passing, his beloved wife and soul mate, Linda, was right by his side, just as she had been for 57 years.

Born in 1941 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Tom’s journey was defined by a hard work ethic and a quest never to sit idly by. His early days started with a paper route and unloading ice from boxcars. He attended St. Joseph Franciscan Seminary (Westmont, IL) and graduated from South High School (Minneapolis). Tom went on to be the first to enter college, earning his degree from the University of Minnesota before beginning a distinguished career in service to his country.

Following his wedding in 1968, Tom enrolled in Defense Language School, completed Officer Candidate School, and was commissioned as a Lieutenant Junior Grade (Lt. JG) in the US Navy Security Service and deployed to Germany. This experience laid the foundation for a career spanning over 33 years with the Department of Defense while residing in Annapolis, Maryland. Tom served as a probation agent, linguist (fluent in Russian and German), an editor, and a television writer/producer. He was also a respected lecturer on cryptologic history and scriptwriting.

Tom’s curiosity extended even to the far-beyond. With Linda, he founded Second Sight, a metaphysical business that allowed them to explore the mysteries of the world, both seen and unseen. Yet enjoyed being grounded in steno editing with Linda - more a guilty pleasure for the true crime fanatics than actual work.

Outside of work, whether he was landscaping his home into a personal sanctuary, caring for the "mini-zoo" of cherished pets, or solving complex mysteries, Tom approached every hobby with intensity and wit. Upon retiring to South Carolina, Tom’s interest in writing grew. Influenced by his mother’s background as a Latin teacher, Tom published five books of poetry, including "Children's Poems for Grown-Ups & Vice Versa," which remained a source of immense pride.

Of all his titles—Officer, Linguist, and Poet—"Husband" and "Father" were the ones he held most dear. His love for Linda was unparalleled; engaged on their very first date, their bond remained the light of his life for nearly six decades. He was a steadfast provider and loving Dad to his daughters, Erika and Natalie, ensuring their futures with the same focus he applied to his work.

Tom was known for a quick, playful wit and a legendary standard for the English language. His daughters laughingly acknowledge that he would likely return to haunt them if a single comma were misplaced in this tribute.

Tom is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Erika and Natalie [Jeffrey; Miles]; and his grandson, Austin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Ruth Roers.

The family will hold a private celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you solve a mystery or read a poem in his honor.

"Poets think they're in control, but the poem knows where to go; their words are merely stepping stones leading to its goal." — Tom Roers