Thomas Jay Stevens

Thomas Jay Stevens, 67, of Meadowlands, passed Thursday, April 19, 2012 in Essentia Health-St. Mary's Medical Center Hospice Unit after fighting a short and courageous battle with cancer. "April is the cruelest month", T.S. Eliot. Born in Cloquet to Joe and Marjorie Stevens, Tom graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Sociology degree. For many years, Tom was employed by Steel Casting Engineering, Ltd., an American corporation that manufactured horizontal continuous casting equipment for the metals industry. This career took him all over the world. After returning to the area, Tom was the owner/proprietor of Nickerson Inn and Tavern for six years. He retired in 2008 from the State of Minnesota after 12 years of employment. Tom lived a rich and full life. He balanced his life with wit, humor, and seriousness when required. Tom was a talented, creative, and published writer. He especially enjoyed trout fishing, the outdoors, reading, and sharing his knowledge with and teaching others. He was preceded in death by his parents. Tom is survived by his loving partner, Marcia Wiens Thomas of Meadowlands; five sons, Zoey (Jennifer) of Laguna Beach, CA, Max (Casey) of Deltona, FL, Patrick of Jacksonville, IL, Michael (Terri Stadin) of Moose Lake, and Jay (Stacy) of Meadowlands; grandchildren, Sable, Zoey, Jr., Corbin, TJ, Zavier, Owen, Madelynn, and Grant; brothers, Joe (Mary) of Moundsview, and Patrick (Evon) of Moose Lake; sisters, Dianne (Darell) Johnson and Lynne (Bennett) Roginski, both of Cloquet and several nieces and nephews. The family expresses their gratitude to all the staff of Essentia Health- St. Mary's Oncology and Hospice and all those who cared for Tom on the other hospital floors. A gathering of family and friends was held on Friday, April 27, 2012 in First Lutheran Church, 9988 Elm Street, Meadowlands. Memorials may be made to Salvation Army.