Thomas Charles O’Rourke, 76, of Albert Lea passed away Monday, March 11, 2024, peacefully in his home.

Thomas Charles O’Rourke

Tom was born Nov. 9th, 1947 in Forest City, Iowa to Jack and Helen (Philpott) O’Rourke. He attended Forest City High School in 1967, and enlisted in the U.S. Army after graduation, serving one tour in the Vietnam War.

He married Betty Anderson in December of 1967. They had 3 sons: Jeff, Dan, and Jeremy. Following his discharge from the military, Tom worked for the USDA as a government meat inspector. Throughout his career, Tom worked in Kentucky, Indiana, Minneapolis, and Albert Lea; retiring after 30 years in 1997.

On March 10th, 2005 he married Joan B. Sencio, in the Philippines, and they spent many years living in Albert Lea with their daughter, Abby. Tom and Joan enjoyed traveling, attending Filipino gatherings, visiting with neighbors, and participating in community events.

Tom could often be found sitting on the couch, flipping through the channels to find his favorite show. Some of his favorites included, local and international news, Law and Order, The Twilight Zone, investigative dramas, and any shows involving historic events.

He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Joan; three sons, Jeff (Renae) of Albertville, MN; Dan, Albert Lea, MN; and Jeremy, Austin, MN; a daughter, Abby, Minneapolis, MN; his brother, Mike (Jean); a sister, Carol and nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents Jack and Helen, and a sister Janet in 2019.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00AM on March 27, 2024, at St. Theodore Catholic Church, with a visitation beginning at 10:00AM. Burial will be in St. Theodore’s Cemetery.