Thomas "Tommy" Demarais, age 74, of Chatham Township, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation will be held from 3:30 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Maple Lake. The memorial service will be private. Tommy and his wife, Marjie, will be buried at a later date at Marysville Catholic Cemetery. In honor of Tommy, memorial contributions may be directed to cancer research or a support organization.

Thomas John Demarais was born on April 17, 1950, in Cokato, Minnesota, to Archie and Doris (Marquette) Demarais. Tommy grew up on a farm in Waverly, Minnesota, as the middle child of five. He graduated from Howard Lake High School and later settled in rural Chatham Township, where he worked in construction for 20 years in the 49ers union and then he started Tom's Backhoe Service in 1987. Tommy and Marjie first met 43 years ago while he was ice fishing on Buffalo Lake, and the rest is history.

Tommy and Marjie received their cancer diagnoses on the Monday after Labor Day weekend, which was a devastating blow to the family. Tommy chose to undergo chemotherapy, which he was told might extend his life. Throughout this process, he worked hard to finish his tasks, planned his headstone, and bravely supported his children as they cared for Marjie around the clock. The ten weeks leading up to his death were difficult for him and his family, especially after losing Marjie, his long-time friend, partner, and wife. Together, Tommy and Marjie leave a legacy of eight children, 32 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. They will always be cherished and never forgotten.

Tommy's unwavering dedication to his business and integrity earned him respect as a legend in the industry. He participated in the annual softball game between Chatham Township and Albion Township, embodying community spirit. A chance encounter with him on the road would be met with a warm wave, showcasing his genuine kindness. Upon your visit, he would greet you by name, his voice filled with enthusiasm and his eyes sparkling with joy.

He and Marjie shared a love of gardening, finding beauty in their efforts despite challenges from the local deer population. Instead of feeling frustrated, they embraced the opportunity and began feeding the deer, cherishing their presence. Visitors were always met with a thoughtful reminder to drive carefully and not to hit the deer.

Tommy valued meaningful connections with his children, making special phone calls to them on their birthdays and relishing family gatherings. He meticulously prepared the shed for family events, demonstrating his commitment to their happiness. His joyous spirit shone brightly as he danced to The Beach Boys, Elvis, and Frank Sinatra's music. He would dance with his grandchildren and at wedding events you would always find Tommy and Marjie on the dance floor, bringing joy to all who watched. Those lucky enough to witness Tommy and Marjie dancing at the shed felt special. He left a lasting impact on all who crossed his path. Tommy was always just a phone call away, ready to lend a helping hand or offer advice. His family took pride in cheering him on during local tractor pulls, celebrating the legacy of a remarkable man.

His surviving children will forever cherish Tommy's beautiful life: Jacci (Mike) Grant of Maple Lake, Jacalyn (Mark) Wurm of Maple Lake, Arthur (Berenice) Jurgens of Buffalo, Bret (Naomi) Jurgens of Maple Lake, Chad (Megan) Jurgens of Maple Lake, Holly (Scott) Latour of Maple Lake, Shane (Karina) Jurgens of Maple Lake, and Mindy (Brad) Latour of Buffalo. His grandchildren include Jordyn (Derek), Indy, Hazyl, Heather (Matt), Ashley (Mitch), Megan (Paul), Mitchell (Marissa), Deanna, Kristin, Matthew, Chantal, Tasha, Aaden, Anna, Millie, Bri, Taylor, Tristan, Spencer, Sawyer, Brittany, Brandon, Austin, Devin, Kora, Katelyn, Gabriel, Emily, Abigail, Cooper, Bentley, and Braelyn. His great-grandchildren are Jed, Mason, Ryder, Parker, Avery, Kinsley, Emmett, Evelyn, Barrett, Brianna, Maevyn, and Grayson. He is also survived by his siblings, Lee (Joni) Demarais of Chatham Township and Charlotte (Loren) Zimmerman of Howard Lake; in-laws, Carol (George) Paur of Bird Island and Eileen Hurd of Hector; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Tommy was preceded in death by his wife, Marjie June (Fenske) Demarais; his parents, Archie and Doris (Marquette) Demarais; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wilfred and Erna Fenske; siblings, Leonard Demarais and Archie Demarais Jr.; brothers-in-law, Elroy Groehler, Tom Hurd, Loren Fenske, and Duane Fenske; sisters-in-law, Carol Demarais and Eunice (Fenske) Groehler; nephew, Dale Demarais; as well as Sandra Wessling (mother of Jacci Grant); and several nieces, nephews, and friends (Bird).

Obituary, Guestbook, Video Tribute and Service Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com