Timothy Abraham

Timothy Richard Abraham, 53, our beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend went to his eternal home on August 10, 2022. Tim fiercely and bravely fought his cancer battle--a warrior who exemplified dignity, grace, and respect for all those caring for him. He was passionately devoted to his family and blessed to be surrounded by those he loved during his last days in hospice care at home.

Born to Richard and Merida Abraham, Tim and his younger brother Ben grew up in Shoreview, Minnesota. Tim’s persistent spirit began as a midfielder on the soccer field. After graduating from Moundsview High School in 1987, he attended the University of Minnesota where he graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. While Tim was there, he was a member of the Triangle Engineering Fraternity serving as its president in his fourth year. Tim forged life-long friendships with his fraternity brothers who have shared that he made them better men--an early example of his integrity, character, and quiet leadership.

Shortly before graduating, Tim was diagnosed with kidney disease and learned he would need a transplant. Without a family tissue match, he trusted that the Lord would provide. Tim took a job at Motorola in the cell phone division and moved to Chicago. In the summer of 1993 he began dating Leanne Holthus, a Minnesota native. Five weeks before their wedding in June of 1995 Tim was blessed with the gift of life, a kidney from a young man named John. With a grateful heart Tim fostered a friendship with the family, and Andrew’s middle name, John, was given in honor of that gift.

Longing for the closeness of family, Tim and Leanne moved to Lino Lakes, Minnesota in 1999 where they raised their three children: Nicole, Daniel, and Andrew. Tim continued to pursue his lifelong calling of helping people through his vocation by working as an engineer in the cardiac division at Guidant and then in the neurological division at Medtronic. He traveled to many countries to gather and share information, contributing to many patents and publications along the way.

As intensely as Tim was dedicated to his work, it paled in comparison to his devotion to his family. Tim supported and encouraged his children’s academic, musical, and athletic pursuits. He kindly and steadfastly nurtured their development, modeling what a life lived with humbleness, dedication, and faith in Jesus looked like.

Tim lived a fulfilling life. He had a gift for photography and videography which he put into service for church projects, family gatherings and vacations. Tim also loved the outdoors. He traveled, skied, hiked, camped, biked and tailgated at University of Minnesota football games. He was intelligent, thoughtful, kind, and faithful. His quiet spirit made him an attentive listener and a gentle leader. A man of deep love, Tim leaves a rich legacy and will be missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Leanne and children Nicole, Daniel, and Andrew; parents Richard and Merida Abraham; brother Ben (Brenda) Abraham; many nephews, nieces, in-laws, and friends.

Tim’s celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 23, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with lunch to follow. Visitation will be on Thursday, September 22 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm and again an hour before his service on Friday. All events will be held at Incarnation Lutheran Church, located at 4880 Hodgson Rd., Shoreview, Minnesota 55126.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the National Kidney Foundation, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, or Incarnation Lutheran Church. Everyone is encouraged to follow Tim’s legacy by carrying out a random act of kindness.