Obituaries: Thomas H. Pertler

On Nov. 16, loving husband and father of four Thomas H. Pertler, 56, passed away peacefully with his wife, Jill, by his side holding his hand. Thom was born in June 1964 to Gary and Alayne Pertler. He spent his childhood growing up in Anoka.

Thom graduated from Anoka High School, received a bachelor's degree from University of Minnesota Duluth and a juris doctorate from Hamline School of Law in St. Paul.

Thom was a practicing attorney for 30 years and worked for the Carlton County Attorney's Office for 23 years, first as an assistant and later as Carlton County Attorney. He retired in 2019.

He and his future wife, Jill, met when they were 15. They were best friends for years before dating and marrying on July 11, 1987. They were blessed with the love of a lifetime.

Thom's main priority and focus in life was his family. He and Jill had four children and Thom spent many hours coaching and watching youth sports and other kid-related activities. Recently he took up the hobby of tea parties with granddaughter Sunny.

The family spent many wonderful summers at their lake home in Park Rapids, where they enjoyed days on the pontoon and evenings playing cutthroat games of Quiplash. Thom and his family also loved traveling via road trips across the country, especially to somewhere warm - preferably near a beach or theme park. When it came to roller coasters and thrill rides, Thom was first in line and often more excited than his kids.

He and Jill were in Alabama looking for a winter retirement home when he fell ill this fall.

Thom is survived by his best friend and love of his life, his wife, Jill; his four children, Madeline (Josh) Belden, Jack, Anders and Cal Pertler; grandchildren, Sunlynn and Paxson Belden; parents, Gary and Alayne Pertler; sister, Beth (Scott) Mosley; and other extended family.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a celebration of life will be held at a future date which has yet to be set.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are

preferred.

Pine Knot News, Nov. 20, 2020