Thomas Martin Elenz, 72, of Chanhassen, MN, left the world with dignity on Thursday, October 12th.

Tom was born in Mitchell, SD on August 29th, 1951 to Floyd and Avis (Godfrey) Elenz. He and his sister, Lori, enjoyed a modest, loving, and fulfilling childhood in Woonsocket, SD. Some of his favorite activities included playing piano, trombone, golf, baseball, football, camping trips with his family, fishing, and hunting deer, antelope, and pheasants. His first job was shining shoes in front of the IGA grocery store for $.05 per shoe with a kit made by his father.

He graduated from Woonsocket High School in 1969 before studying Economics at St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN. While at St. John’s, he continued making lifelong friends while thriving in the men’s chorus, traveling with his friends, and graduating in 1973.

Tom met the love of his life, Cheryl Novitsky, after beginning his successful career at Carlson Companies following his graduation. They were so drawn to one another that they were married on August 5th, 1983 after having met the previous Thanksgiving.

Above all else, Tom will be remembered for his selfless support of his family. He and Cheryl welcomed their first son Nick in 1985 and their second son Danny in 1990. Nick and Danny enjoyed a wonderful childhood in Chanhassen. Tom spent all of his resources on fantastic and countless fishing and camping trips for his family to northern MN, Yellowstone, the Grand Tetons, Glacier, and so many other amazing destinations. He loved his dogs as well, and gave his Golden Retriever Daisy and Brittany Spaniel Eddie the best lives any dog could imagine with daily trips to the nearby dog park.

In December 2022, the joy of Tom’s life became his newborn grandson, Miles Thomas (his namesake). Miles brought unlimited happiness to Tom up until the evening of his passing.

Tom enjoyed many successful years as a corporate controller at Carlson Companies before transitioning to a senior software consultant position at S2 Technology. True to his work ethic, he loved his career and never considered retirement.

Tom was a devout Catholic. He and Cheryl built their lives around St. Hubert Catholic Community when their children were born. He sang tenor in the choir for decades, and his entire family has been deeply involved in the church throughout their lives.

Later in life, Tom earned 13 years of sobriety through the AA program and developed a gift for ministering to those who were the most in need of help. Not surprisingly, we are only just learning of most of his contributions from his benefactors following his passing.

Tom’s gentle smile, his almost unbearable dad jokes, and his soft-spoken generosity made a lasting impression on anyone who was fortunate enough to meet him. While he avoided the spotlight, his thoughtful and compassionate presence and dry sense of humor were powerful and will be deeply missed.

Tom is preceded in death by his father, Floyd Elenz, and mother, Avis Elenz.
He is survived by his wife of 40+ years, Cheryl Elenz, his sister, Lori Steever and her husband, Tom, his son, Nick and his wife, Annalise, his son, Danny and his wife, Maggie, and his grandson, Miles Thomas.

If you feel inspired, the family would prefer memorials in lieu of flowers.

Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Tuesday (10/24) at St. Hubert Catholic Community, 8201 Main Street, Chanhassen. Visitation 5-8 PM Monday (10/23) at Huber Funeral Home, 16394 Glory Lane, Eden Prairie and one hour prior to Mass at CHURCH. Interment, St. Hubert Catholic Cemetery.

Huber Funeral & Cremation Services
Eden Prairie Chapel 952-949-4970