Thomas W. Mulder

Thomas "Tom" Walter Mulder, 76, of Alexandria, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026, surrounded by his family.

He was born November 5, 1949, in Granite Falls and grew up in Renville, Minnesota. Tom was a devoted husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, son, uncle, cousin, and friend. He and his beloved wife, Jeanne Kathleen (Brettin) Mulder, shared 56 years of marriage and a life grounded in family, laughter, music, and genuine care for the people around them.

Tom’s curiosity about people made them feel welcome, important, and worth knowing. He was kind, funny, smart, caring, helpful, and always ready with a joke. He found joy in singing, performing, and spending time with those he loved. He played golf for most of his adult life, which brought him many friendships and stories. In his later years he enjoyed the friendships of the Fat Boys walking club.

Tom graduated from Renville High School and the University of St. Thomas. A great high school athlete, he went on to play college baseball before building a career in insurance and investment planning.

Music was a constant in Tom’s life. He performed with The Salty Dogs, and the comedy barbershop quartets Music Makers and Final Answer, and in the 70s played trombone with the Renville Sugar Kraut & Beet Wurst Band. For 50 years, he served as a cantor and psalmist, generously sharing his voice in worship, including countless weddings and funerals.

Tom is survived by his wife, Jeanne; children, Jay Mulder (Jen), John Mulder (Nicole), Kathleen “Kappy” Pauna (Kris), and Nancy Rice (Andy); grandchildren, Jake Tharaldson (Hali), George Mulder, Ainsley, Finn, Sawyer, and Logan Pauna, and Paxton and Declan Rice; great-grandchildren, Riley and Quinn Tharaldson; siblings, Peg Sietsema (Lee), Bob Mulder (Barb), Jim Mulder (Carmen), Barb Wertish (Doug), Shirley Hartmann (Dave), and Mike Mulder (Deb); and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Evie Mulder.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, September 16, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Anderson Funeral Home, 659 Voyager Drive NW in Alexandria, with a time of remembrance at 6:00 pm. Visitation will continue on Thursday, September 17, 2026, 12:00 - 1:00 PM at Calvary Church 605 Douglas Street with a funeral service at 1:00 pm at the church. Private interment will take place at Geneva Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the CentraCare Heart & Vascular Program at https://give.centracare.com/give/343593