Thomas was born in St. Cloud, MN on April 16, 1961.  He was passionate about wildlife hunting and fishing, actively pursuing both any chance he had.  He proudly passed on his knowledge and skills of these activities to his children and eldest grandchild, Mason.

As a true "family man", Tom's children and grandchildren were everything to him and he showed that with daily calls, fishing and hunting trips, and Sunday dinners (with his specialty being "surf and turf" of Walleye and venison.)  He was very expressive in his devotion and love to his children and grandchildren; very loyal and true to the people he cared about.  Tom had a hilarious sense of humor and was always a "jokester", especially with his children.  He was "tough as nails with a heart of gold."

"The Grill Master" as his children called him, Tom could smoke anything; he even prepared his own venison sausage, raved as delicious by anyone who was lucky enough to try it!  In addition to hunting, fishing, grilling, and Sunday dinners with his children, Tom enjoyed snowmobiling, attending his grandchild's baseball and basketball games, working in his yard, nature walks, and bike rides through state parks.

Over the years, Tom worked in the family business, Bitzan's Bait and Tackle in Onamia, MN (Mille Lacs Lake), was a salesman for Pavement companies, driver for Green Mill, and truck driver for Elite Trucking.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, James Bitzan.  He is survived by his children, Laura Vashro/Bitzan (Shane Vashro) and Steven Bitzan (Crystal Ray); grandchildren, Mason Sienkiewicz and Bailee Vashro; mother, Carolyn Bitzan; brother, Michael Bitzan (Tim Johnson); sisters, Monica Ostrowski (John), Theresa Anderson (Guy), Deborah Crotty (Collin), Dianne (John Wilson), and Angela Kail; nieces and nephews, Kate, Jessica, Daniel, Jordan, Jamie, Christopher, Sara, William, Ryane, Kaylene, Brandon, Peter, and Anna.

Tom will always be missed, thought of, and prayed for.  "We Love You, Dad."

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 17, 2018 at Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home, 13817 Jay Street NW, Andover.  Visitation one hour prior to the service (1:00 - 2:00 p.m.)

The family requests that all who attend the service please wear Camo or Blaze Orange in honor of Tom.

Arrangements entrusted to Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home of Andover (763) 767-7373