by Dennis Dalman
editor@thenewsleaders.com
United by shock and grief, nearly 500 people joined a candlelight memorial service for Thomas Bearson Tuesday night at St. Francis Xavier Church in Sartell.
Bearson’s body was found Tuesday morning in south Moorhead. (See related story).
The memorial service included songs by the St. Francis Xavier Choir, readings from Scripture and expressions of grief.
“Your loss is our loss, your grief is our grief,” the Rev. Ben Kociemba said to Bearson’s loved ones and friends.
The Bearson family are members of St. Francis Xavier Church. Bearson attended its elementary school. His mother, Deb, is a second-grade teacher at the school.
Bearson’s family – Greg, Deb and sister – could not attend the memorial service, but they did send a message:
“Dear Family and Friends and Community: It is with deepest sadness of heart that I write this message. Words cannot express our pain for the loss of our son, Tom, and our gratitude for your outpouring of prayers, love and support for our family. Please continue praying for us and for all those who have lost a loved one. If possible, please reach over and hug your children for us.”
At the service, Kociemba, noting that “Tom’s light passed too quickly,” said “Tom is in the hands of love, in the hands of God, and we know there can be no greater place than that.”
He also said, “The just, though they die early, shall be at rest.”
