Wearing "Casual Fishing Attire" to Tom's Memorial Service would be greatly appreciated.

Tom Neustrom Obituary

Thomas Charles Neustrom, 77, of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, died peacefully at home on Sunday, July 5, 2026. Tom was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

Tom, the youngest of three, was born on July 21, 1948, and grew up on the Northside of Chicago.

From a young age, Tom had always been drawn to the water. His father, who was a talented fisherman, introduced Tom to fishing and he was "hooked." Every year his family traveled to a resort on Middle Eau Claire Lake in Wisconsin. These yearly trips were some of Tom's most cherished childhood memories. Little did he know, that early love of the water would shape the rest of his life.

Tom began his career as a Chicago police officer. His life changed forever when he and his partner were shot in the line of duty; his partner was killed, and Tom, given last rites, made a long and difficult recovery. Despite these events, Tom eventually returned to duty.  In 1978 he made the decision to move to Minnesota. He lived in Deer River for many years and worked as a deputy sheriff for the Itasca County Sheriff's Department and later an investigator, serving until his retirement in 2005.

It was in Northern Minnesota that Tom found his true calling. He started his own fishing guide business and never stopped. Guiding allowed Tom to share his passion while also providing unforgettable experiences to so many people. He guided everyone from beginners to fellow anglers, friends, families, professionals and dignitaries. Friendships formed and customers often became some of his most dearest friends.

Honing his craft, Tom earned sponsorships with some of the biggest names in the fishing industry. He shared his knowledge and experiences through public speaking, roundtables, seminars, radio shows, and writing articles for newspapers and several outdoor publications.  His written and recorded words will live on forever, a true treasure for all of us.

His contributions to the sport of fishing were recognized with inductions into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and Minnesota Fishing Hall of Fame, placing him among a small handful of anglers ever inducted into both.

Beyond guiding, Tom devoted himself to the future of Minnesota's fisheries. He worked relentlessly for what he believed in and his efforts will be felt by many for years to come.

Tom lived in Grand Rapids with his wife Renee for over 20 years. They shared a beautiful life together full of adventure, laughs, love, and lots of fishing. Tom had one child, Megan, whom he shared an incredible bond with and loved deeply. He enjoyed listening to music, taking pictures, traveling, supporting Grand Rapids Girl's Basketball, watching sports, movies, taking his grandkids on four-wheeler rides, doting on his beloved cat Oreo, and making memories with the people he loved.

From the beginning to the end, Tom lived an extraordinary life and he will be missed greatly.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents; Paul Francis Neustrom and Josephine Neustrom (Barosko), and his beloved Golden Retriever, Timbo.

Tom is survived by his wife, Renee Neustrom (Orhn); his daughter, Megan Sain (Neustrom) and her husband, Greg, of St. Paul, Minnesota; his stepson, Matt Hernesman, of Grand Rapids, Minnesota; his grandchildren, Kingston Charles Sain, Eliza Dewitt Murray, and Harrison Roy Murray; sisters, Joanne Hampton and Paulette "Poppy" Neustrom; niece Lori Lomma and nephew Scott Walker; cousin Margie Slavik; close family friend, Judi Hart, and family cat and pride and joy, Oreo.

Tom's memorial service will be held at Timberlake Lodge Event Center in Grand Rapids at 1pm, on August 9, with visitation beginning at 11am. A boat procession will follow the service in his honor, those attending are welcome to bring their boat to join in, and casual fishing attire is encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to MN-FISH Sport Fishing Foundation or Future Anglers of Minnesota–in Tom's memory.