Thomas Preston, 84
Thomas G. Preston, 84, of New Prague, died Thursday, Nov. 18, 2010, at The Villages of Lonsdale.
Tom was born July 4, 1926, in Minneapolis, a son of George and Catherine (Hammang) Preston. Born and raised in Minneapolis, he attended South High School and the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul. Always a competitor, he participated in semi-pro baseball, football and boxing. He was a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army during WWII, and married Marilyn Edstrom on August 27, 1949, at St. Kevin's Church in Minneapolis. He taught physical education from 1954-1982, all at New Prague High School. He coached the New Prague Trojan baseball team for 28 years, winning eight conference championships and the region title in 1980, taking third place in the state tournament. He was inducted into the New Prague High School Hall of Fame. Tom played his first baseball game in 1937 and his last 61 years later in 1998, catching his last game for the Union Hill Bulldogs at age 72. He played for the over-35 baseball teams in Union Hill and New Prague. He was a member of the New Prague Volunteer Ambulance, American Legion, and National Guard. He started Little League Baseball in New Prague and was instrumental in starting the Adult Volleyball League. Tom was a collector of military memorabilia.
He is survived by children Kevin (Mary Kay) Preston, Apple Valley, Kathy (Mike) Hinderscheid, New Prague and Philip (Laurie) Preston, Lonsdale; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a sister Joanie (Dale) Hinderscheit, California; and sister-in-law Joanne Preston, Minneapolis.
He was preceded in death by his wife on March 26, 2003; his parents; and siblings Jim Preston, Jack Preston and Mary Skarupa.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 27, at 12 noon, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague, with Rev. Kevin Clinton officiating.
Interment is at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in New Prague. Pallbearers are Damian Hinderscheid, Paul Preston, Andrew Preston, Nathan Preston, Charles Preston, Todd Preston, Tom Preston, Alyssa Hinderscheid, Sarah Preston and Pat Preston.
Visitation will be held from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague.
