Anthony Miesen

Anthony Andrew 'Tom' Miesen was born September 23, 1923, to Michael and Anna (Wurmstein) Meisinger in Springfield. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Raphael's Catholic Church. At the age of 2 Tom was adopted by George and Edith (Wurmstein) Miesen. He attended St. Raphael's Catholic School and graduated from Springfield High School in 1941 where he was active in baseball, basketball, and music. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and became a gunner on a dive bomber. Tom served in the Pacific on the aircraft carrier Antietam and was going to be part of the invasion of Japan when the peace treaty was signed. After his honorable discharge he came home and started painting. In 1949, Tom married Elaine Kohlhof at St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Redwood Falls. In 1950, he started his painting contracting business specializing in churches and schools. In 1961, Tom opened Miesen Color Center which is currently owned and operated by his three sons. He was a member of the Springfield Cubs who were regional baseball champions and state runner-up in 1948. Tom was a lifetime member of St. Raphael's Catholic Church, a 4th Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus, and served on the first Board of Directors of the Springfield Golf Course. He was also a member of John Watson American Legion Post #257, and served on the City Council and the Public Utilities Commission for 33 years. Tom enjoyed hunting, especially geese, and was an avid sports fan. In his later years he spent much time at Lake Shetek where he enjoyed his colonies of Purple Martins. Tom was a devoted husband and father and looked forward to special celebrations with his family. Tom Miesen died Monday, October 31, 2011, at the Springfield Medical Center Hospital at the age of 88 years. He is survived by wife Elaine of Springfield; children- Dan (Maureen Juenemann) of Springfield, Deborah (Darrell) Myers of Covington, GA, Lucinda (Scott) Lund of Fridley, Victoria (Jerry) Schultz of Springfield, Mary Munson of Apple Valley, John (Ann Rader) of Springfield, James (Debra Hayes) of Springfield, and Susan (Pete) Kaas of Coon Rapids; 20 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 brothers; and 1 sister.