Obituary of Thomas Spitzmueller

January 22, 2026

It is with heavy hearts and deep love that we share the sudden passing of Thomas Spitzmueller on January 22, 2026. Tom was a gentle, thoughtful man whose life was marked by compassion for others, a relentless search for truth, and a faith that shaped everything he did. He had a quiet way of listening, a sharp intellect, and a generous spirit. Those who knew him were changed by him, and he will be deeply missed.

Tom was born on March 2, 1947, in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Woodrow and Irene Spitzmueller. One of nine children, he grew up in a lively family that shaped his sense of humor, curiosity, and care for others. He attended St. Luke’s Grade School and Cretin High School, and later graduated from the College of St. Thomas.

After college, Tom was drafted into the Army and was sent to language school in Monterey, California. He was stationed in Germany, where he served as an interpreter. He remained in Germany after his service to study at university. His gift for languages reflected his broader gift for understanding people and cultures, a theme that ran throughout his life.

Following his military service, Tom felt called to the Catholic priesthood. After rigorous study at the St. Paul Seminary, he was ordained a priest in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. He served faithfully at several parishes, including St. Olaf in Minneapolis, the Cathedral of St. Paul, and St. Patrick’s Church in the northern suburbs. The Archdiocese later sent him to Rome, where he earned an advanced degree in Theology. Upon returning, he taught briefly at the College of St. Thomas, sharing his love of learning and faith with his students.

Later, Tom made the difficult decision to leave the priesthood and begin a new chapter. He moved to New York, where he taught at Metropolitan College of New York and fully embraced the cultural and intellectual life of the city. It was there Tom met the love of his life, Janiece Brown. They were married and for 27 years shared a rich life filled with faith, conversation, learning, and deep companionship.

Tom is survived by his siblings: Woody (Barb), Jim (Patty), Joe (Nancy), Bill (Kathy), Mary Hassett (Tim), Laura Childs, and Bob, along with four sisters-in-law in New York, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Irene; his brother, Ken; his sister-in-law, Patty Spitzmueller; his sister-in-law, Patricia Brown; and his brother-in-law, Bob Childs.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Basilica of St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral, 263 Mulberry Street, New York, New York.
* 1:00 p.m. – Visitation
* 1:30 p.m. – Rosary
* 2:00 p.m. – Memorial Mass
A private interment will follow. In keeping with Tom’s lifelong concern for those on the margins, donations in his memory may be made to the homeless shelter of your choice.

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