Thomas Chavarria

Thomas “Thom” Bruno Chavarria, 60, of Ely, MN passed away on March 13, 2023, in the presence of family and care of staff at St. Luke’s in Duluth.

Thom was born to Rosario Chavarria and Lucia Chavarria (Cadena) in Dallas, TX on May 28th, 1962. He graduated from H. Grady Spruce High School in Dallas, TX, and received his Associate of Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts from Western Culinary Institute in Portland, OR. Picking a singular notable accomplishment is nearly impossible; he had a very full life. In his own words, “I’ve done everything I wanted to do, and then some.”

Most people in the Ely area knew Thom as “the bakery guy,” and not without merit. He spent the better part of 16 years as one half of the pair that made up Plum Bun Bakery. Others may recognize Thom from seeing him at the Fall Lake boat landing in the summer; he perfected his skills with a pole so well that even local people sought out his fishing tips! His love of fishing aside, Thom had another thing he was really passionate about: football. He was a Minnesota Vikings fan through and through, and never missed an opportunity to rag on other teams—especially if they were his friends’ or family’s team of choice.

Thom never went a day without his partner—in business, in life, and in crime—Elizabeth Serson, who survives him. He is also survived by his four children: Brandon (Julie) Chavarria, Daniel (Beth Lacey) Chavarria, Aaron Chavarria, and Gabriel (Vincent Jonas) Chavarria, his parents Rosario and Lucia Chavarria, his siblings Shirley Kennemore, Linda (Evelyn Heath) Kennemore, Anthony (Lorrie) Chavarria and Ferman (Cindy) Chavarria, and an assortment of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There will be a celebration of life at the Longbranch in Winton on May 20th, 2023, starting at noon. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, people send donations to Cripple Critter Ranch (Heather Flikke) or a local animal shelter of your choice.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home.