Tom is survived by his beloved wife Deirdre Meade Wannarka, and his daughters Rachel Wannarka (Brendan, Elliot, Luke) and Sarah Wannarka (Jorja). He is also survived by his first wife, Marie Stoeckman.

Tom was employed as a bus driver for Metro Transit for 39 years. Connecting with his passengers and sharing bits of daily life from time to time was an unexpected benefit of his job, one he greatly valued. (He also met his wife Deirdre on the bus and the benefit of that meeting needs no elaboration!)

Upon his retirement in 2013 many of his regular passengers on the #8 line hosted a dinner for him and his family at a local restaurant to celebrate his retirement. Tom was deeply moved by their kindness and generosity and mentioned several times over the years how much this meant to him.

Tom was known throughout his life as a kind man motivated largely by love, compassion, humility and generosity. He felt a special connection to those who were often forgotten, overlooked or struggling in various ways. He combined a helping hand with his corny humor, and these two facets formed the foundation of his spirituality of connection. Nothing brought him more joy than bringing a smile to someone.

Tom’s life was also marked by a deep and unending love of his two daughters. There was no one more important to him. This devotion came to extend to their spouses and children, who spent many fond years with him. Tom’s lasting legacy is how the full and complete meaning of love is not measured by words but by simple daily actions.

Mass of Christian burial is scheduled for Tuesday June 23 at St. George Catholic Church in Long Lake, Minn. Visitation will begin at 10:30; Mass will follow at 11:30. Lunch in the church community center will follow.

In lieu of flowers donations may be directed to Doctors without Borders or the individual’s preferred charity.

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