Thomas Sisser, 92, Owatonna
Thomas George Sisser, 92, passed away peacefully on Aug. 22, 2026, at Benedictine Living Community in Owatonna.
Thomas was born on Nov. 1, 1933, in Owatonna to George and Lillian (Johnson) Sisser. A lifelong resident of Owatonna, Tom graduated from Owatonna High School in 1951 after attending St. Mary’s Elementary School. He had a deep love for his hometown and was proud to be a part of the Owatonna community throughout his life.
Tom worked alongside his father at Sisser Foods, located at 128 Bridge St., for 42 years. A skilled butcher, he was also part of the family’s delivery service. Sisser Foods became a familiar name in the community, even appearing on milk cartons.
Tom was dedicated to serving his community. He served for many years on the Owatonna Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and was a member of the Sesquicentennial Committee, where he reported on retail in downtown Owatonna. He also served for many years on the Owatonna Parks and Recreation Board and was instrumental in the refurbishment of the Central Park Fountain, a project of which he was especially proud.
Tom was a proud Korean War veteran, serving in the United States Air Force. After returning home from his military service, he married his forever sweetheart, Collette Bruzek. They shared 72 years of marriage and lived in the same home for 67 years.
After Sisser Foods closed in 1971, Tom began a long career in automobile sales, working for Lindkuegls, McMan, Quality Motors, and Hursh Motors. Following his years in car sales, he became a shuttle driver for Walser and House. He retired at the age of 82.
Tom’s faith was an important part of his life. He was a longtime member of St. Joseph Church, where he was an altar server as a child and later an usher for more than 60 years. He also served on the Sacred Heart Cemetery Board and attended a men’s retreat for more than 45 years.
Tom enjoyed many activities throughout his life, including snowmobiling, bowling, trap shooting, and spending 15 years “snow birding” in Arizona with Collette. He was an avid sports fan, especially of the Minnesota Twins. He attended all three World Series in which the Twins played and also enjoyed coaching youth baseball.
Christmas was another great love of Tom’s. He delighted in decorating his home inside and out, and his spectacular outdoor Christmas lights were featured in the newspaper several times.
Tom was a member of the Steele County History Center, Elks, and VFW. Above all, family and traditions were very important to him. He will be remembered for his love of his family, his faith, his community, and the hometown he loved so dearly.
He is survived by his wife, Collette; his children, Sue (Jeff) Pap of Owatonna, Mark (Laurie Riesenauer) Sisser of Prior Lake, and Jim Sisser of Owatonna; four grandchildren, Josh Pap of Brooklyn, Wis., Ali Heidenreich of Oregon, Wis., Chris Sisser of Prior Lake, and Marie Ashby of Prior Lake; and nine great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lillian Sisser, and his uncle, Don (Margaret) Sisser.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, at St. Joseph Church, 512 S. Elm Ave., Owatonna, with visitation beginning one hour prior to the Mass. A parish rosary will be recited at 9:45 a.m. Military honors will be provided by the Steele County Funeral Unit.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Joseph Church, Benedictine Living Community, or the Steele County History Center. For more information or to leave an online message of condolence, go to www.megercares.com.