Thomas E. Trulen

Thomas "Tom" Trulen, 75, of Red Wing, Minnesota, passed away on November 4, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Marys Campus in Rochester.

Tom was born on New Year's Day in 1951, narrowly missing the title of "first baby born in the new year" at Red Wing Hospital. A lifelong artist and Red Wing resident, Tom expressed his creativity through screen printing, jewelry making, and photography. Of all his artistic interests, photography was his greatest passion. In high school, his photographs were displayed at the newly built Red Wing Library. He later passed along his knowledge and creative eye to his daughter Evelyn by teaching her everything he knew about taking pictures.

Tom will be remembered for his easy smile, mischievous sense of humor, and ability to make friends wherever he went. He never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone at any time. He loved a good-natured roast-teasing someone one minute and telling them how proud he was of them the next. With Tom, his teasing always came from a place of love.

Above all, Tom loved his family, friends, and furry companions, especially his beloved cat, Martha. He leaves behind a lifetime of love, friendships, photographs, and stories to make those who knew him smile.

Tom is survived by his wife, Jackie Trulen; daughter Eveyln (Chun Ong) Trulen; brothers and sisters in law, Bob (Lori) Stapel, Patricia (Kevin) Mettler and Robin D’Aloise; nephew and niece from Trulen side of the family, Steven Gilbertson and Diane Bulmer and several other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Maude Trulen; sister, Pat Gilbertson and brother-in-law, Bob D’Aloise.

Visitation for Tom will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel. Burial with military honors will take place on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. at Oakwood Cemetery, Red Wing.