Thomas Denery Kukowski

Thomas Denery Kukowski was born on October 8, 1939, in Fargo, ND, to Frank W. and Agnes T. (Denery) Kukowski. He was welcomed home to the family farm near Georgetown, MN, where he joined his older brother, Francis.

Thomas spent his early years attending Crossroads School, a one-room country schoolhouse. He also attended Catholic school in Moorhead before attending high school in Felton, MN, graduating with the Class of 1957.

Later that year, Thomas enlisted in the United States Army to serve his country. He later continued his military service with the National Guard. Following the death of his father and with his mother’s health declining, Thomas returned home to help care for his family. He and his brother took over the family farm, beginning a lifelong vocation that Thomas truly loved.

In April of 1963, Thomas went on a blind date that would change his life when he met Phyllis Nagel. The two were married on November 16, 1963. Together, they built their home in rural Georgetown, where they raised their seven children and built a life centered around family, faith, and farming.

Farming was more than an occupation for Thomas; it was his passion and a way of life. He had a natural ability to fix machinery, solve problems, and keep equipment running, often finding a way to repair something when others might have given up on it.

Thomas believed in being involved in his community. Over the years, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, served on the Georgetown Elevator Board, and enjoyed his time with the Hudson Bay Bears Snowmobile Club. For more than 40 years, he also drove school bus for Richard’s Transportation, safely carrying generations of area children to and from school.

Away from work, Thomas had many interests. He enjoyed collecting coins and had a special appreciation for classic cars. His children fondly remember games of tennis, racquetball, and ping pong, along with family bike trips through state parks. Thomas also had a musical side and could occasionally be persuaded to sit down at the piano and play a few songs.

Through all the different chapters of his life, Thomas was a man who knew how to work hard, enjoy the things that interested him, and share a laugh along the way. He will be remembered for his generosity, his sense of humor, his ability to fix just about anything, and the life he built with Phyllis and their family.

On a cool, sunny Sunday morning, October 4, 2026, Thomas died at Eventide Nursing Home in Moorhead, MN, just four days before his 87th birthday under the care of Ethos Hospice.  

Thomas is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Phyllis Kukowski of Moorhead; seven children, Thomas Kukowski of Lakeville, MN, Martin (Lynelle) Kukowski of Anchorage, AK, Kelly Kukowski of Moorhead, Stefanie (Raymond) Nelson of Moorhead, Nichoel (Brent) Klinghagen of Moorhead, Joshua (May) Kukowski of Waconia, MN, and Nicholas (Pam) Kukowski of Moorhead; 14 grandchildren, Paige, Denery, Grace (Jake), Isaac, Sutter, Ben, Macalister, Amera, Sofia, Daniel, Lily, Sophia, Hazel, and Matthew; along with several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Agnes Kukowski; and his brother, Francis Kukowski.

Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday, October 9, 2026, with a Prayer Service beginning at 7:00 PM at Korsmo Funeral Service, Moorhead. Visitation will continue from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at the church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1420 7th ST N, Fargo. Burial will follow at Wild Rose Cemetery in Georgetown, MN at 2:00 PM.

Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.KorsmoFuneralService.com.