Takoma Matthew Priest

Takoma Matthew Priest, 20, of St. Paul, died Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Howard County Medical Center in St. Paul, following a brief battle with cancer.

Takoma’s wishes were to be cremated. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 23rd at Peters Funeral Home in St. Paul. Pastor Nicole Schwartz-Eck officiated.

Garrett Didier, Nolan Clement, Hunter Dack, and Garrett Snyder were the honorary pallbearers.

Recorded selections included “Save Me” by Jelly Roll and “Don’t Let The Old Man In” by Toby Keith.

A memorial fund has been established at Citizens Bank & Trust in St. Paul under the name of Leanne Priest.

Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family.

Takoma was born October 5, 2005, at Howard County Medical Center in St. Paul to Leanne (Brown) Priest. He attended St. Paul Public Schools and graduated with the Class of 2024. After graduation, Takoma began employment with Kramer’s Auto Parts & Iron Company in June of 2024, where he continued working until his passing.

While in school, Takoma was involved in 4-H, FFA, and Art Club. He especially enjoyed art trips and throwing pottery on the wheel with Mrs. Lemmerman, both in class and during his free time at school. Takoma enjoyed spending time with his cousin, Ruger Brown, playing video games, and building Legos. He also enjoyed working on his The Phonograph-Herald | December 24, 2025

truck and spending time with his family. He was truly loved by all who knew him.

Takoma is survived by his mother, Leanne (Brown) Priest; special father figure, Marlon Thomsen; brother, Tyler Brown; twin sister, Taylee Priest; special brothers, Garrett Didier and Nolan Clement; grandparents, Dale and Shirley Brown; uncles, Chris (Teri) Brown and Keith (Randi) Brown; cousins, James Brown, Addison Brown, Carmella Brown, Dallas Brown, Anna Brown, Keegan Brown, and Ruger Brown; as well as great-grandmother, Hazel Nielsen.

He was preceded in death by his uncle, Kenneth Brown; great-grandparents, Forest and Wanda Brown, and great-grandfather, Bert Nielsen.

Cancer F****** Sucks! Condolences and memories may be shared with Takoma’s family by visiting www.petersfuneralhome. net.