Tom Amundson, 63

Clayton “Tom” Thomas Amundson, 63, Portland, Oregon, died December 11, 2009 while recuperating from a fall.

Tom was born and raised in Alexandria. He was a 1964 graduate of Jefferson High School. While in school he worked for and studied under Harold Chandler; attaining his private pilot’s license.

Tom joined the Army with a high school friend on the buddy system to do aircraft maintenance. Instead, he was sent to Vietnam as an infantry half-track commander. He was injured under enemy fire, for which he received a Purple Heart.

He went to Oregon State University after a very cold winter at UMD. He completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees in geology. He was invited to join the International Geological Society after presenting his master’s thesis about a fossil he discovered and had named after him.

Tom lived in Portland, Oregon most of his adult life, working as a geologist in the Army Corps of Engineers. He loved the area and was an avid camper and hunter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeanne and Clayton Amundson, of Alexandria.

He is survived by his adopted daughter, Shelly Renz; sister, Joni; younger brother, Rob; nephew, Tyler; many family members and friends.

Arrangements are pending.

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