Thomas Joseph Slaggie

Thomas Joseph Slaggie, 90, of Winona, MN, passed away Thursday, April 30, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family.

Tom was born March 19, 1936, in Winona, MN, to Jessie (Montieth) and Leonard Andrew Slaggie. He graduated from Cotter High School in 1954 and later attended St Mary’s College, Winona MN, for 2 years. He was then assigned to the United States Military Academy of West Point NY wherein he graduated in 1962 as a Lieutenant in the US Air Force as a missile launch officer. Following two years of service, he was reassigned to the US Army as an artillery officer where he served three years in Germany, one year in Vietnam, and two years at Fort Sill OK. Following his discharge from active service, he was assigned to the Army Reserves and later as a commanding officer of the Winona National Guard unit. Following four and a half years in Winona, he was assigned various National Guard Staff positions throughout MN, ultimately retiring after 18 years. His final commission was Lt Colonel.

Following active duty, Tom owned and operated Gate City Agency with his father, good friend Bernie McGuire, along with his brother Steve. He was Finance Officer for 15 years at the American Legion Post 9 and a similar time as President of the Woodlawn Cemetery Association. He served on the Winona City Council representing the 1st Ward from 1986-1987 and then as Winona’s mayor from 1988 to 1995. He was a member of the Winona Civic Association, Goodview Activity Group, American Legion Post 9, Winona Eagles Club, Winona VFW, and supported the community by organizing and participating in numerous 5k walking/running events.

Tom was formerly married to Mary Christopherson and together they had two children, David and William.

He was a longtime member of St. Casimir Catholic Church and a current member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Winona, MN.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Michael Slaggie.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Hovell Slaggie; his children: David (Faith Lewis) Slaggie and William (Deanna) Slaggie; grandchildren: Nicholas (Katie) Slaggie, Tess (Patrick) Raitor,; and great-grandchildren: Shelby Slaggie, Axton Slaggie, and Theo Raitor; a brother Stephen (Barbara) Slaggie. He is also survived by his goddaughter, Michelle Schehuber.

Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at Mary’s Catholic Church, Winona, with Rev. Russ Scepaniak officiating. He will be interred at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Winona, MN with military honors provided by American Legion Post 9, Winona.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, May 11 at Fawcett Junker Funeral Home, Winona with vigil prayers at 6:45 p.m. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday, in the Visitation Commons of St. Mary’s Church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to American Legion Post 9 Building Fund, Winona MN; St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Winona MN; Emplify Health Hospice, La Crosse, WI or the donor’s choice.

Services entrusted to Fawcett Junker Funeral Home & Crematory, Winona, MN. Online condolences can be left at www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com.