Thom Hardwick Memories
Read memories and thoughts below.
Watch Thom's memorial service here.
Add your own memories of Thom here.
His leadership in worship, both in Sunday services or in the Passion Play, was always a true touch from God speaking to my heart and life …and he touched countless others. I truly miss him; I’m praying comfort for all of his family. – Phyllis Goodman
I remember the doubts I had in singing in the passion play choir. I couldn't read music, but I approached Thom after a Sunday morning service at Arden Hills and asked him if I could be part of the choir. He said, “I don't care if you can't read musical notes. I want people that love Jesus and sing (or make a joyful noise) from their hearts.” What a welcoming greeting Thom gave me to participate in God's passion for our souls. -Paul Omelianchuk
All that wonderful worship music into the heavenlies at Tom's hands. So grateful for him. One Sunday after service, we were doing altar ministry. A young woman came up for prayer as she was pregnant with twins & the doctor told her one was dead. So, Doug & I started to pray for her and as we did Tom started playing, "I am the God Who healeth thee, I am the Lord your healer....I send my Word & heal your dis-ease, I Am the Lord you Healer." Doug & I looked at each other to say/indicate to each other that something awesome happened. So the next week at church this mom ran up to us to say “that baby is ALIVE!” Tom's anointed worship lifted up our prayer, and that baby 'revived'!!! We truly believe that! -Doug Dee Sprague
He will be missed. It was fun being a part of the passion play production, being a part of the choir, and playing an extra role of the play; my son was also in the play. -Sprung Family
Our precious Thom - our musician. I loved this man. My husband Henry worked for him for 18 years as the Ticket Manager for the Passion Play. When Henry died, Thom was going to play for his funeral, but had fallen and broken an ankle or something. The dear man called me up and cried over the phone when he had to get someone else to play. Bless his memory; I shall never forget him. He and Henry are now remembering good times. Blessed be the memory of wonderful Thom. I bet he will be a big-time musician during our stay in heaven. -Maybritt
I’ve been in many churches, choirs, and productions, but this is special - when we sang as a choir Unto the lamb & Thou oh lord & bring in Mark David Williams , Mary Beth Carlson so many special event - The choir Christmas supper @ Jan & Thom home …. so many memories & experiences. We shall behold him probably very soon in a twinkle of a eyes & singing a song so grand, I know there is joy in the camp … What a great reunion. What a choir & Thom is probably rehearsing that great day leading & praising all the day long …. AMEN! -Mark D. Johnson
I didn't know Thom well, but I always enjoyed talking to him after the Sunday 9am. service either in the aisle or out in the lobby. He always had great eye contact making one feel loved and accepted. He seemed to be a warm, kind person and so talented! Congratulations Thom, you made it out of this world and finally home into all of its Glory. See you there! -Pauline DiMaggio
I knew Thom and Jan many years ago in their Souls Harbor days. Church life can be surprisingly full of tension and controversy, but Thom and Jan were always loving, kind, and focused on their ministry. Nothing but warm feelings for them both. If more Christians were like them, the church and the world would be so much better. -Julie Barnard Trask
Many wonderful memories of Thom Hardwick. Oh the music that he and Nathalie Haag produced together at Souls Harbor church. My husband and I appreciated knowing Thom back in the mid-to-late sixties. What a joyous welcome he must have received when entering his home in glory. Prayers for his wife and family. -Dianne Johnson Bagley
He blessed the worship at Roseville – incredibly!! We were only there in the summers, but the worship he led brought us into a closeness with our Lord that we shall never forget! Praise God for this wonderful servant! -Judith Visker
I always think of him whenever I hear “tip of the iceberg!” What a life and what a legacy! Sending the biggest hug, lots of love, and many prayers to Jan and his family/friends! -Teri Lindstrom Phillips
Thom & Jan were music directors at the Cathedral of Tomorrow in Akron, Ohio for many years. We did Scrooge, and the Easter programs. Thom called Dave Boyer, and we did the Dave Boyer Story, with Jan playing the part of Dave’s wife. Tom, Jan, Kevin, and Rebecca made a permanent mark on all our lives. We were really sad when they left, but they were following Gods leading. So many wonderful memories Thom made for all of us. I had the privilege to sit next to Jan in the first soprano section. Thom blessed so many people all over the world with his talent and love of making music. We were blessed that God gave him to us for the time he was here. My heart aches for Jan, and I will be praying for her. I am so sorry for the pain this loss has brought to her. We know where Thom is but Jan is now missing a piece of her heart. Next time you see Jan, please give her a big hug from me. -Dawn Lenz
Thom’s heart of worship will leave a lasting legacy at North Heights and in the community. I’m thankful for how he and Jan have poured out their gifts for us and for the Lord. -Amy Gehlhar
I am deeply grateful for the legacy and leadership of Thom and Jan! As a child and teen who participated in Passion Play and Splendor of Christmas for most of my formative years, I can say that the ministry the Hardwicks did left a deep and profound mark on me and my faith. How incredible to learn at such a young age the value of commitment, the beauty of the church using her gifts to come together and retell the gospel and to feel the Holy Spirit of work in and through us to bring people close to Him. The gospel was cemented in my soul as I sang and danced and acted its message. I still carry friendships from those years. Those plays taught me how to worship the God Who is alive and coming again. Thank you, God, for Thom’s life and the faithful service he and Jan have given to You and to Your church. Love and hugs to you, Jan. Thank you. -Christiana Ostrem
We loved and appreciated him so much. He was patient and very caring. -Maureen Sterns
We are so thankful for the life and the way Thom was obedient to God in his service. Well done good and faithful servant. Praise God for you, Thom, and the countless lives you touched. My love, comfort, and prayers are with you, dear Jan. May God hold you safely and securely in His hands. -Carol Van Guilder Henry.
There was no one else who mentored, encouraged, and blessed everyone who worked with him. He could “tickle the ivorys” impeccably!! Lord, may I sing with him in heaven? His impact on my life, along with Jan, has been beyond words. Blessings, love, and prayers, Jan! -Julie Okland Tellefsen
What a precious man. What a servant all those years. Worship was his passion. Such a loss to all this congregation… And to thousands upon thousands of others he touched. He has won the race triumphantly. Condolences to his amazing teammate, Jan. -Judy Marcus.
Thom was one of a kind! Humble, spirit-led, talented in so many ways. Heaven rejoices as we comfort one another knowing he is with the Lord! -Jacqueline Belfiore Favre
So grateful for his service. -John Wingate
What an amazing worship leader!! – Larry Gragert
He was a wonderful musician, RIP talented man. -Jeannette Wilson
What a wonderful man we have lost but heaven has gained. Jan, you and Thom have shared so much and changed so many lives by your love and talents. My prayers and condolences to you. Thom’s legacy at North Heights will last forever. -Karen Reed
I remember Thom & Jan from Harborteens at Souls Harbor. I have not seen them in too many years to remember, however the quiet patience and care for us kids is something I will never forget. I remember when Thom & Jan were married. Jan, you and Thom have been in my thoughts and prayers through the years. Praying extra for you now as you begin this new season in your life. -Melody Clark McArdle
I am so grateful for all the years of worship, choir, and performances I have enjoyed been part of under Thom’s leadership and music ministry. Such great memories and enduring friendships! Praying for Jan with love and blessings. We rarely said “Thom” without saying “Thom and Jan.” Thom, save me a place in that heavenly choir you are directing! -Cheryl Thompson
I will truly miss Thom and Jan. Thom is directing the heavenly choir up in Heaven. -Karen Nippoldt
Thom and Jan are so dear to everyone! Jan, you are in my prayers. -Sandy Conrath
We are thankful for the life of Thom. My husband and daughter were part of the actors in the Passion Play, many wonderful memories. We pray for Jan and thank God for holding you in His hands. -Laura Lee Solberg
What a talent we have lost and heaven has gained. He will be missed. -Pat Minogue
Thom was an amazing, talented man. Being a part of the Passion Play, Splendor of Christmas, and other productions was a huge part of my journey in the Christian faith. Participating in those grew my roots in Christ deep. So deep that whatever life throws me, I am able to withstand the trials. Like the song says, “rains came, winds blew, my house was built on you. I’m gonna make it through. I’m standing strong in you.” Thank you, Thom and Jan!!!!! -Paul Hanson
Thom a gifted musician, pianist, and worship leader! Thom led a variety of worship styles / see kaleidoscope southern/ black Gospel traditional hymns or latest contemporary styles on the radio today! Thom always thought first of his team members / cast etc and orchestrated and led beautifully! A man of integrity and character he was the same person wed-Friday as he was on Sunday. A life well lived and a reminder that life/ministry does not stop at 60-65 but continues into your 70’s-80’s and beyond ! A great example to us all and an honor to play drums/ percussion with Thom 2002-2024. The heavenly band has added another Saint -save us a place. Jan here to help as needed during this time of loss on earth/ gain in heaven. -John Hiiv
The biblical scenes we were part of in the Passion Play, the beautiful hanging lights in the sanctuary as we sang Christmas songs, the tears we all shared as we sang the Battle Hymn of the Republic as the stream of flags came in to honor of our country and veterans. For over 30 years, I had the honor of being a part of these, as well as the choir. They will always be some of the most meaningful and fondest memories in my life. Thom and Jan had a vision of ministry that will never be forgotten. -Elaine McCally
Boy, I'm not sure how to start this. Thom was one powerful Christian. All the extra Spender of Christmas, 4th of July, Passion play etc Thom and Jan put North Heights on the map. There were so many people brought to Christ because of the plays. There will never be another like Thom and Jan. At North Heights Church nobody was turned away. Even if you couldn't sing very well, both Thom and Jan welcomed everyone. My son Christopher chose them to be his godparents. Chris always said he wished he could be a stronger Christian like Thom. Being that I was raised at NHLC, and when they came, so many people wanted to be a part of the musicals. It's too bad that they are not here anymore. We miss Thom so much and Jan is also very special to us. Jody and Chris Frilseth
We are sorry to hear of Thom’s passing. Bob toured with Thom when they were in high school representing Alliance Youth and Delta Lake. His father, Dr. Harry Hardwick, was the president at St. Paul who brought mom up here to be dean of women. Praying for the family. -Lynda Hindmand Jueckstock
Thom invited me to be part of the musical family that lifts the spirits through inspirational sounds. I was amazed at how Christ gave him the gift of love through musical leadership. Blessed are all that have encountered his talents in action. -Christopher Tank
I have been blessed to know Thom and Jan for many years. Thom’s worship has ministered to my heart and soul just as his sweet gentle spirit always has. I enjoyed being on staff with him and always appreciated what he had to contribute - he always brought such a sense of peace and the presence of God when he spoke or prayed. He will be greatly missed at North Heights, and I rejoice with him knowing he is now worshiping with the God he so loved and wanted others to know about. -Nancy Goodmanson
As a family, we enjoyed being involved in the Passion Play, Splendor of Christmas, and July 4th celebrations that Thom directed with perfection. One of the Passion Play scenes included a song by the disciples. At a rehearsal, Thom told a few of the disciples to just mouth it. (Guess who?) Often during the time of the Passion Play, the Sunday School Christmas Program was gearing up. Lovingly, Thom made sure that the lighting remained set for the Passion Play. These were great ministries that made Jesus’ life and resurrection come alive for us and our 3 sons. We were blessed by his God-given gifts of leading worship, playing the piano, and his heart for leading people to Jesus Christ. Thom’s legacy is eternal! -Bob & Linda Kordosky
Thom’s humble and gentle spirit permeated all that he did. His musical gifts were so anointed that the environment changed under his presence. He ushered in the Holy Spirit whenever his fingers hit those keys. In fact, my unchurched uncle at age 80, felt the spirit so strongly one Sunday when he visited NHLC for the first time and experienced the worship service, that he became a believer that day! Thanking God for Thom’s faithful service to the Lord all these years; for his inspiring example to us all of commitment, surrender, and holiness. Prayers. Hugs, and love to Jan and family. Thom will be truly missed. -Bonnie Carlson
Most Beautiful Music in all he did so much. Heaven truly gained an Angel.
