Thomas E. Lambert -- Rochester

Funeral services for Thomas E. Lambert, age 79, of Rochester will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 20, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.

Thomas "Tom" Edward Lambert was born on Sept. 5, 1939, in Faribault, to Aloye and Josephine (Sammon) Lambert. He died on March 14, 2019, at his home.

Tom grew up in Faribault, where he graduated from Bethlehem Academy High School. Tom joined the Army and was primarily stationed in Fort Polk, La., and served during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Tom returned to Faribault, and shortly thereafter moved to Rochester, where he would spend the rest of his life with his family.

He married the love of his life, Jean Reiter, on Sept. 26, 1964. Tom worked as a butcher at Erdman’s Grocery Store and later as a salesman for Wonder Bread/Hostess Cakes. Tom enjoyed boating and spending time on the river, as well as golfing. He was an avid Vikings fan and loved watching football. He loved to tell jokes, no one was a stranger, and he was always willing to help out someone who was in need. He always had a smile on his face. Nothing meant more to Tom than his family and he was especially proud of his grandchildren, Charlie and Georgia. He will be missed dearly.

Survivors include his son, Seth (Michele) Lambert of Rochester, and two grandchildren, Charles and Georgia Lambert of Rochester. Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Jean, in 1998; two brothers, two sisters and his parents.

To leave a special memory please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901. 507-289-3600.