Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. I fondly remember our days living at Pearl Meyers Home at the start of our teaching careers at Slayton Public School and eating at Palmer Peterson''s Bar under the hotel. Gene Erickson, Court and I enjoyed listening to "Squaws along the Yukon!"
Sincerely,
Jack Hook

Message from Mark Thomson

July 8, 2012 2:18 PM

Just wish the Tommeraasen family all the best. Had the good luck to have spent one of my study halls instead helping in the library with Mr. Tommeraasen Senior year. Enjoyed the time spent and it contributed to ending up a lifelong fan of books. God bless-

Mark, Michele, Reghan, Osta, and Kenzie

Message from Pat Edelman

July 3, 2012 9:57 PM

Tommeraasen family,
I apologize for the lateness of this expression of my deepest sympathy. Living out of town just a few miles and not seeing anyone in town for about a week, I just found out about Court. He was one of the most mellow and generally happy people I've ever known. I feel so bad not having found out earlier. I'm glad family was with him. He really was a very good man to all he met. He was one of the first to greet and welcome to the staff here in 1979. He will be missed but I'm sure there is a very special place for men like him in heaven.

Pat Edelman

Message from Carol Swanson Corwin

July 3, 2012 12:44 PM

I can't think of my years in Slayton High without remembering teachers and theater/class advisors. We were so lucky to have been blessed with the quality of teachers we had. May God bless Mr. Tommeraasen's family. You have my sympathy.

Message from Chuck Swan

July 3, 2012 10:33 AM

Mr. Tommeraasen was my favorite Slayton HS teacher. I was very fortunate to have him for speech class in my 67-68 senior year. He was truly an outstanding educator with a unique brand of mentoring and teaching. He helped me gain much needed confidence in myself before I entered college. Courtney Tommeraasen was a man of enormous gifts and talents. My sincere condolences to the Tommeraasen family.

Message from Denise (Buschena) Gehrke

July 3, 2012 10:17 AM

I always had so much respect for Mr. Tommeraasen, (he can never be called Court by me) not only as a teacher, but as someone that could acknowledge alcoholism and take it head on, He was never to proud to admit his faults and work to overcome them. He would extend a hand to whoever needed him, in any way possible, whether it be education or life. God has a special place for him in heaven and welcomed him with open arms. Thinking of his family at this difficult time, but you will be reunited, one day, with him.

Message from Ann Foley Cortez

July 2, 2012 4:13 PM

Mr. Tommeraasen taught me English and Speech in 1968, and was one of my favorite teachers. His classes were always interesting and challenging; and he opened my mind to so many new things. He truly had a gift for teaching and touched many lives. My condolences and prayers to his family.

Message from Bruce Baus

July 2, 2012 2:01 PM

I was fortunate to golf with Court when he and Karen would come to Az to see Karna.  I always had a great time and will miss him.

I would like to share a couple of Court stories that always make me smile.

This year, while riding to the course with him, he asked if I would go to the golf shop and give him my honest opinion on a hat he wanted to buy.  He explained that he wanted a man’s opinion.  I said, “Of course,” knowing that I would most likely approve of any hat he wanted to buy.    So he tried on the hat and it actually looked great and fit him well.  He then tried on a second “bucket-style” hat he had been eyeing and asked for my thoughts.  After doing a double take I told him, “You are buying the first hat Court, this one you are wearing looks like something from Cat in the Hat and I will not let you walk out of the golf shop with that hat!”  He then gave me that smile and said, “That is exactly why I brought you Bruce, thanks.”  Thank you Court.

I was lucky enough to speak with Court by phone a few weeks ago.  It was the night of the Cubs vs Twins game and Karna called me so he could say hi.  After giving me the business about my beloved Cubs, I reminded him that I had recently regripped a couple of his golf clubs, clubs that he was hitting very well I pointed out.  He then changed his tune and told me, "Go Cubbies."  I was convinced he would be pulling for my loveable losers until Karna told me he was snickering when he said that.  As she hung up I heard him in the background saying "Go Twins."  Thanks again Court!

To Karen, Karna, and the Tommerassen family, Staci and I send our thoughts and prayers to you.

Message from Dave Engebretson

July 2, 2012 12:28 PM

I always looked forward to judging speech tournaments with Courtney. He made me feel welcome and our chats about Slayton, theater, college and life were pleasant and lively. It isn't everyday a student becomes a colleague and a pal. He will be remembered fondly ,not only for his successes but his courageous struggles.

Message from Mitzi Ruiz-Moreno

July 2, 2012 11:54 AM

My sincere sympathy for your loss. May the Love and Grace of Our Lord carry you and your family during this difficult time. Continued prayers for strength, peace, and comfort. In Him, Mitzi Ruiz-Moreno

Message from Shana and Jason Leach

July 2, 2012 11:05 AM

We are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and your extended family today, tomorrow, and always. Much Love.

Message from Tim & Jennifer Neyens

July 2, 2012 10:21 AM

We were so saddened to hear of Court''s passing. You have our deepest sympathy. God Bless - Tim, Jennifer, Shelby & Landon Neyens

Message from Joan Foley Wright

July 2, 2012 5:36 AM

Mr. Tommeraasen was my favorite teacher. He taught me English in 1969. I remember him using Simon and Garfunkel for part of our poetry section. He brought in a stereo and we all loved it and thought he was "cool". May God be with his family and comfort them.

Message from Lynette Carlson

July 2, 2012 2:56 AM

To Karen and family,

I would like to extend to you my deepest condolences in your loss of your husband, father and grandfather and he will be greatly missed by all of us who he had showed kindness and compassion for.

I cannot imagine where my life would be now if Court had not taken the time to teach me and help me to reach my fullest potential in my life. Court was the one who recognized that I too had a drinking problem and had introduced me to Alcoholics Anonymous many years. And thanks to him I have been sober for 27 1/2 years and for I will always be grateful to him for that.

Each time when i would come back to Slayton for a visit, I would always call him and look forward in sharing with him what was going on in my life in Austin. And also he would would extend to me some of his wisdom and thoughtfulness as well.

You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers throughout this time of grieving. May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you and hold you in his arms to comfort you during this sad time!!

Your friend Always,

Lynett Carlson

Message from Tina Bengtson

July 1, 2012 10:07 PM

When I started teaching grade school in Slayton in 1990, Court was one of the people that I remember who made me feel so welcome here. He always had time to visit and answer my questions. We shared a love of books and drama. I am so sorry for your loss.

Message from Linda Tobias

July 1, 2012 9:27 PM

Karen and Family: You have my sympathy in the loss of Court. I enjoyed visiting with him at the wellness center. He had a special way of caring about others. I asked him about my grandson one day and he was always checking back with me to see how he was doing. He had a very caring spirit about him for sure. The community had the chance to experience Court in many ways from his pulpit supply, to Kiwanis, to CLC, he was unique in what he was able to share with others. May you be able to trust in the Lord that Court is in a much better place with no more effects of the stroke. Life will definately be different for you but remember the good times and the trips you were able to experience together. Time is a great healer. RIP Court good and faithful servent.

Message from Carol Erpelding

July 1, 2012 9:25 PM

To Karen and all of the family and friends of Mr Tommeraasen,
Please accept my sincere sympathy at this time of loss. Court was a wonderful man and an exceptional educator. He may have retired from teaching but he never retired from educating people as he touched each one he met making them feel special. He will be missed so much by those who knew him and his memory and lessons will be remembered by all of us. God Bless and keep you as you go on just as he would have wanted.

Message from Kathy Huerkamp Winter

July 1, 2012 8:32 PM

My sympathy to the family. I have many great memories of a wonderful teacher!