Thomas Sadauskis

Thomas Sadauskis, age 80, passed away peacefully in his home in Albert Lea, Minnesota, on June 13, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Albert Lea Eagles Club on Friday June 21, 2024 starting at 6pm.

Tom lived a full and joyous life. He was born on December 13, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois to Alphonse and Sylvia Sadauskis. Tom spent his formative years in the Chicago area. As a teenager he showed his rebellious side by being a member of the 67th Street Loafers, and was the only Lithuanian within this Italian Immigrant group of greasers. He graduated early from St. Rita High School in Chicago in order to join the Army. While in the US Army he was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. He served in Korea during his enlistment and at a Nike Missile Site in Homewood, IL. Upon discharge, he became a Chicago Police Officer, and was on the streets of Chicago during the riots surrounding the 1968 Democratic National Convention. He served with CPD from 1965-1974, and left the department as a detective. 

In 1974, Tom and his family departed the Chicago area to seek a safer environment and accomplish a dream of following in the footsteps of his father and stepfather, who had each owned a bar and restaurant. The family settled in Wabasha, Minnesota. Tom, along with his wife Linda, opened the “River Bar & Cafe.” It was soon featured in an article in the Minneapolis Tribune, titled, “From Shots to Pots.” Tom was successful in this endeavor and became known for his famous spicy chili. Although successful, Tom left the bar industry in 1979 and moved to various parts of the country, spending most of his remaining years in Rochester and Albert Lea, MN. 

Tom was an avid sports fan. He particularly enjoyed football. He was a die-hard Vikings fan and had season tickets for several seasons. He was present for the closing of MET Stadium, and his all-time favorite player was Dick Butkus, who Tom played against in high school. Tom was a long time member of the American Legion. He served in executive positions for the Legion in both Rochester and Pine Island, MN. Tom enjoyed spending time with friends and family, and could often be seen playing hardcore bingo in Albert Lea establishments.

Tom was preceded in death by his loving wife, Linda (Ellison) Sadauskis. His parents, Alphonse & Sylvia (York) Sadauskis. As well as his stepfather, Peter Brigando. Tom is survived by his sister, Carol (Sadauskis) (Jack) Jones, Peter Brigando, and Penny (Brigando) Kwasigroch. His children Tom (Heather Delger) Sadauskis, Heather (Sadauskis) (Keith) Alderman, and Mike (Nancy Stander) Sadauskis. Tom’s grandchildren include Ashley, Allison, Lindsay, Ryan, Zane, and Zoe.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the American Legion would be appreciated.