Dr. Thomas Michael Seery, 94, of Austin died peacefully Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010 at Sunrise Assisted Living in Edina surrounded by loving family.

Thomas was born April 8, 1916, in Cadillac, MI to Fred and Lena (Lodenstein) Seery. On June 12, 1941, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Elizabeth Ann Prince. He was a loving husband and father and a shining role model for his five children.

Dr. Seery graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 1941. He served in the United States Army Medical Corps from 1943 to 1946. During this time, he spent a year and a half as a battalion surgeon with a Calvary Reconnaissance Squadron in Italy. With a final rank of Major, he was honorably discharged in 1946.

Dr. Seery joined the Austin Medical Clinic in 1948 and continued to serve the Austin community as a Doctor of Internal Medicine until his retirement in 1986. He was well-known as a compassionate and gentle caregiver. Older members of the Austin community may remember Dr. Seery coming to their homes on one of his many house calls during his early years in practice. In addition to patient care, Dr. Seery served the medical community on numerous committees and boards. He was an active member of the Minnesota Heart Association, served two terms as Chairman of the Mower County Mental Health Board and served over 30 years as Chairman of the Mower County Public Health Nursing Board and the Mower County Community Health Services Advisory Committee. Dr. Seery was also Medical Director of the Sacred Heart Hospice and the Saint Mark’s Lutheran Home; represented Mower County on the boards of several state and federal regulatory agencies.

Dr. Seery was a member of the Austin Rotary Club for 60 years and received recognition as the longest member of the Austin Chapter. He was active in the Boy Scouts for many years as a scout, scout leader, and camp physician; he was the proud recipient of the Silver Beaver Award for Service.

Thomas enjoyed travel, music, theater, and the arts. He was an avid reader and supporter of the Austin Public Library. He was also a talented woodworker and handyman, often creating beautifully crafted projects for his home and family.

He was an active volunteer and delivered Meals on Wheels well into his 80’s.

The family would like to give special thanks to the caring staff of the Primrose of Austin, Sunrise of Edina, and Fairview Hospice Care. They also acknowledge the Austin community which provided the professional and personal relationships that enriched his life.

Thomas is survived by his children: Michael Seery, Aspen, CO; Kathleen (Bill) Weis, Kingman, AZ; Susan (Greg) Hallal, Edina; Ann Seery, Cincinnati, Ohio; Beth (Bruce) Lahman, Boulder, CO; six grandchildren and one great- grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Elizabeth Ann (Prince) Seery; two sisters: Ruth Seery and Esther (Seery) Dahlman.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010 at the Church of Saint Augustine with Father Joe Fogal officiating. There will be a 5:30 p.m. rosary on Wednesday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 4-6 p.m. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery with military rites by American Legion Post #91. Condolences may be sent to Susan Hallal, 5300 Vernon Ave. South, Edina, MN 55436.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Austin Medical Center or the American Heart Association.