Tom Christianson
December 4, 1970 ~ February 11, 2024
Born in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
Watch Tom’s service here.
Thomas Edward Christianson, aged 53, passed away on Feb. 11, 2024. He was a beloved son, brother, nephew, uncle, friend, and teacher who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Tom was born on Dec. 4th, 1970 in Fargo, ND, into a musical family. He graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead and attended the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music in Jazz Studies. Throughout his career, he was known for his inquisitive mind, his dry wit, His explosive laugh, his deep and broad knowledge of many subjects, his sensitive and beautiful playing, his willingness and ability to teach and share his knowledge, and his gentle and calm nature.
Tom had a voracious appetite for learning in a broad range of subjects, including music, the military, history, literature, movies, tv shows, and cars. He displayed this knowledge by frequently winning trivia contests.
Tom made his living as a free-lance percussionist performing many styles of music, including classical, jazz, rock, country, western, and international genres. Tom was a long-standing member of numerous area ensembles, including the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony, the FM Kicks Band, and the Trinity Lutheran Church worship band. Tom taught hundreds of students through associations with the International Music Camp, Fargo Area Youth Symphonies, NDSU, MSU Moorhead, Concordia College, Jamestown University, numerous area public schools, and private students. Tom was a dedicated researcher and expert resource for all things percussion, identifying the provenance of instruments all over the state, and repairing them authentically.
He is survived by his mother, Mary Jo, his siblings Ellen (Eric Staffeldt), Mike (Cindy Lysne), Kate Kluegel (Scott), and Amy Johnson (Tim), nine nieces and nephews, and four grandnieces and grandnephews. His father Edward preceded him in death.
If you would like to make a donation in memory of Tom Christianson, please consider the following organizations that Tom performed with: Fargo-Moorhead Symphony, International Music Camp, FM Kicks Band, Fargo Moorhead Area Youth Symphony, Trinity Lutheran of Moorhead, MN.
Services
Memorial Service - Saturday: February 17, 2024 11:00 am
Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead MN
210 7th St S
Moorhead, MN 56560
Visitation - Saturday: February 17, 2024 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead MN
210 7th St S
Moorhead, MN 56560
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Tom – a great dedicated musician and friend to all. You will be missed.
Tom was a super guy! He was always friendly and kind and seemed to be everywhere there was great music, playing superbly! Just last week I had the privilege of hearing him at two events. And he was such a valuable musician with the Kick’s Band and FM Symphony as well as other musical groups. This community has suffered a big loss.
My sincere sympathy to his entire family and fellow musicians. He will be missed so much.
I played with Tom in the American Wind Symphony in 1995. Great guy; I was very saddened to hear this. You’ll be missed, Tom
Dear Mary Jo and family, my heart breaks to see that we have lost Tom much too soon. What a wonderful gentle soul. A gracious man, intuitive musician, performer and teacher. I always knew all would be well when Tom was on board for any occasion. His bright smile and good natured humor, he will be missed by all who had the blessing of knowing him. Love and prayers.
I had the privilege to learn from Tom over many years at the International Music Camp (IMC) as a student percussionist. Tom was an amazing instructor with so much passion for music and his students. He brought so much joy into learning…I have so many fond memories. Your family will be in my prayers as you grieve, remember and celebrate his legacy. ❤️🥁
To say Tom’s passing is a shock to the FM musical community is a huge understatement. He was one of the most capable and dependable musicians I’ve ever known. But more importantly, Tom was just a great human being. We would always chat briefly whenever we ran into each other, which was fairly often. However, a couple of weeks ago, we passed each other in the hallway at MSUM and had an unusually long conversation, just sort of catching up and talking about various things that came to mind; I’m so very grateful to have had that time with him now. Amy, please know that and your family are in the thoughts of a lot of people at this time. And Tom…..until next time, ok?
We’re so sorry for your loss. May joyful memories soften your grief and the loving company of friends and family bring you comfort. We are thinking of you.
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing.got to know him when playing in the newhorizon band. Always so pleasant..thoughts and prayers to you Mary Jo and family.
Tom was an awesome musician and he will be dearly missed.
Tom and his dad Ed had been bringing their vehicles to us at Western fuel for decades.He was always in a good mood and a pleasure to do business with as well as knowing.God bless!
We are so saddened to learn of Tom’s passing. We appreciated his talents both teaching and playing. Truly a gifted man! We will miss not seeing him play with FMSO. May God grant strength and peace to his family!
Sorry I could not make it back to Fargo to attend. Tom was such a nice kind person, I knew from elementary school on. May we think of him every time we hear the percussions from Heaven above!
It’s warmed my heart to see the outpouring of love for Tom on Facebook and through this site – I’m so glad that he was deeply cared about by so many.
Tom, as you always said to me – but I’m now saying to you: “I won the friend lottery by getting to know you.” Thanks for everything. I’ll never forget you. <3
I am still shocked and saddened by Tom’s passing. I had the privilege of being under the tutelage of his father Ed, and then also under Tom as my section leader for the past few decades at IMC. He was a wonderful person dedicated to his lifetime passion of music. He will be missed.
Tom helped us out in the FM Golden Notes band when we were short on percussion. He was gifted, friendly, and funny! His death is a huge loss to the FM music community and to all who knew him. Rest in peace.
I’m so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I used to babysit Tom and Amy a very long time ago. He probably didn’t remember me but I remembered him. Such a cute, nice kid. My condolences to the family.
Pam Struble Joraanstad