Thomas Aaron Hiivala

Thomas “Tom” Aaron Hiivala, 61, of St. Cloud, Minnesota, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Quiet Oaks Hospice House in St. Augusta, Minnesota.

Born in Minneapolis on August 5, 1964, to Florence Meade and Charles Hiivala, Tom was a lifelong Minnesotan who graduated from Jefferson High School in Alexandria in 1982. There he played varsity football and was chosen by his classmates to deliver the graduation address. He possessed a natural warmth and easy humor, never meeting a stranger and connecting with people wherever he went.

Tom spent more than two decades as a conductor on Amtrak before becoming the owner of Kozy Transportation, where he provided medical transportation and compassionate care to thousands in his community. He found deep contentment in simple pleasures, especially time spent at his lake property with his partner Bonnie, operating his beloved bobcat, and playing nine or more holes of golf each day during the season with family. Known for his quiet kindness, he was often the first to shovel a neighbor’s driveway after a snowstorm or ensure someone had a safe ride home. A devoted Minnesota sports fan with a heart of purple and gold, his loyalty to the Vikings remained steadfast no matter the score.

He is lovingly remembered by his life partner Bonnie, his children Breanne (Paul), Braeten (Renae), Brooke (Jacob), and August (Cici), his grandchildren Finley, Jack, and Florence, his siblings Lori (Bob), Jeff (Tammy), Brad (Trish), Bob, and Jason (Roxanne), sisters-in-law Linda and Julie, the mother of his children Mari, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Flossie and Chuck and his brothers Chuck and Steve.