Thomas "Tom" Moore Kearney

Thomas “Tom” Kearney, age 48, of Chisholm, MN, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Fairview Range Medical Center in Hibbing. He was born on May 20, 1976, to Barb and Peter Kearney. Tom attended high school in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Following graduation, he attended the U of M, where he made fond memories with his Phi Sig brothers. While attending the U, he met the love of his life, Christie Westlund, with whom he built a life. After college, Tom and Christie moved to Alaska, sharing numerous adventures and eventually having their two daughters, Dorothy and Grace. In 2006, the family moved back to Minnesota to be closer to family. Tom loved the outdoors, trips to the Boundary Waters, and most of all, making memories at the family cabin on Tank Lake. He was an amazing chef and loved providing good food for his many loved ones. Tom was a jovial guy with a contagious laugh and a joke for everything. He was selfless and loved helping others, treating everyone like family. Tom worked at Hibbing Taconite, where he enjoyed working outdoors and his time in the dry with his coworkers. Tom’s favorite job was raising his girls. 

He is survived by his wife, Christie Kearney of Chisholm, MN; his daughters, Dorothy and Grace Kearney; parents Peter Kearney, Barb (Carter) Zinn, and Bob & Marie Westlund; siblings Mike (Sarah) Kearney, Maureen (Mike) Swanson; sisters-in-law Bobbi Jo Price and Jamie (Rob) Farnsworth; brother-in-law Jon (Miranda) Westlund; numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives, friends; and his precious dog Pneuma. He was preceded in death by his grandma, Gwendolyn Kearney, who was instrumental in raising him; great aunt Gretch Babou; and his uncle Tom Kearney.

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Hibbing. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the beginning of Mass at 11:00 a.m. at the church, with a reception and celebration of his life afterward in St. Leo’s Hall. Tom would have wanted everyone to join us over a meal.

The family asks that donations go to United Way of Northeastern Minnesota in his honor, https://www.unitedwaynemn.org/