Community Remembers Thomas R. Buske, 73, After Courageous Battle

Thomas R. “Tom” Buske, aged 73, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer. Surrounded by his loved ones, he faced his illness with remarkable strength and resilience, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Born on December 27, 1951, in Rochester, Tom was the son of Phillip and Velma Buske. He completed his education at Mayo High School in 1969 and dedicated a significant portion of his life to his career at the Mayo Clinic, where he worked for 34 years before retiring in 2006.

On January 20, 1984, Tom married Lori Dostal, and together they celebrated 41 years of marriage. Known for his welcoming nature, Tom often invited friends and family to gather in his garage, a space that became a cherished haven filled with laughter and camaraderie.

Tom is survived by his wife, Lori; his daughter, Katina (Franck) Gougeon; his son, Ryan (Kristina) Dostal; and six grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brothers, Charles (Margaret) Buske and James (Twanna) Buske. He was preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Velma.

As a family man, Tom’s influence extended beyond his immediate circle. He was a source of inspiration to many, demonstrating unwavering hope and grace throughout his life, especially during his illness. The family expresses deep gratitude to the staff at Mayo Hospice for their compassionate care, particularly to Nate, who provided exceptional support.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service, allowing friends and family to gather and share memories. For those unable to attend in person, a livestream of the service will be available on the Macken Funeral Home website.

Online condolences can be shared at www.mackenfuneralhome.com, allowing the community to honor Tom’s memory and offer support to his family during this difficult time. Tom Buske’s legacy of kindness and strength will not be forgotten, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.