Thomas J. Waseleski

Thomas J. Waseleski

November 20, 1960      September 22, 2023

            Thomas J. Waseleski, 62, lifelong resident of Hibbing died Friday, September 22, 2023 at home unexpectedly.  He was born November 20, 1960 to Wallace and Carole Jean (Butorac) Waseleski in Hibbing.  He was a graduate of Hibbing High School in 1979.  Tom was well known for his racing career which began in 1980.  He continued his passion for 33 years as a fierce competitor until retiring from racing in 2013.  Tom enjoyed spending time at his land which has been in the family for almost 75 years.  He loved hunting the property with his dad and two sons. It was his “happy place”, he took pride and sought solace when spending time there.  Another one of Tom’s favorite pastimes was his grandkids.  They were a very important part of his life and he enjoyed spending time with them when he could.

            Tom is survived by his three children, Tommy (Molly) Waseleski, Hibbing, Michael (Ashley) Waseleski, Taconite, MN, and Susan (Kyle) Peterlin, Hibbing, his father, Wallace Waseleski, Hibbing, siblings, Lori (Kyle) Haskins, Tulsa, OK, Cathy McKay, Lake Minnetonka, MN, and Karen (Nick Senich) Waseleski, Hibbing, 11 grandchildren, Leon, Monte, Alexa, Kylie, Wesley, Johnny, Geno, Grayson, Arrow, Blue, and Harvey, special aunt & uncle, Duane (Mary Jo) Poloranta, Burnsville, MN, brother-in-law, Kevin Clowe, Apple Valley, MN, former brother-in-law, Randy McKay, Minneapolis, MN, along with many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. 

            He was preceded in death by his mother, Carole Waseleski, sister, Diane Clowe, best friend and Crew Chief, Michael Baumgardner, and his beloved dog, Beau.

            A gathering of family and friends for Tom will be from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, Thursday, September 28, 2023 at the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.  A time of sharing and a few prayers will be said at 1:00 pm.  There will be a private interment at Maple Hill cemetery at a later date.  A reception and social gathering will be held at Mr. Nick’s Corner Bar immediately following the event at the funeral home on Thursday.  Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home of Hibbing.