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Thomas Roberts Obituary
Thomas Roberts
LA CROSSE - Thomas Roberts, age 80, retired pediatrician and longtime resident of La Crosse, passed away peacefully in the loving presence of family on Friday, March 10, 2023.
Tom was born on July 28, 1942, to Ethel (Dot) and Franklin Roberts in Bismarck, North Dakota. After graduation from Bismarck High Schoolhe attended Rutgers University, receiving a degree in Biological Sciences. He then attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison Medical School. As a senior medical student, he was assigned a medical preceptorship at Gundersen Clinic in La Crosse which started a relationship that forged his future medical practice. He completed an internship at Gundersen and a pediatric residency at University Hospital in Madison before returning to La Crosse where he would spend the next 40 years practicing his profession.
Tom was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 15. This experience inspired him to become a physician and ultimately help children diagnosed with diabetes. Tom, along with certified diabetic educators and dietitians, started the pediatric diabetic clinic at Gundersen. It was common for him to give his personal phone number to parents with a newly diagnosed diabetic child with instructions to call him any time to help them manage their disease.
Tom served in many leadership roles at Gundersen Clinic including Pediatric Department Chief, Lutheran Hospital Staff President and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Gundersen Medical Foundation and the Children's Miracle Network. He was engaged in the LaCrosse community serving in roles at the Family and Children's Center, the Boys and Girls Club, the LaCrosse School Board Medical Committee and singing in the choir at Blessed Sacrament Church in La Crosse and St. Patrick's Church in Onalaska.
Tom met the love of his life and best friend, Barbara Frederickson, at Camp Grassick for handicapped children in North Dakota. They were married in Jamestown, North Dakota in 1965. They enjoyed 57 happy years of marriage sharing many fun times with their gourmet group, couples golf and bridge groups and in recent years traveling with friends. Family gatherings for holidays, birthdays and summer vacations at the lake were special times.
Tom was an avid golfer and loved playing regularly with Barb, his three sons and friends, primarily at the La Crosse Country Club. He loved following and supporting the Wisconsin Badgers and many local and state sports teams. First thing in the morning, he would check all his favorite sports websites to follow the latest action and scores.
Tom was an amazing husband, father and "Papa" and loved supporting his children and grandchildren in all their interests including cross country meets, football, hockey and soccer games and concerts and plays.
Tom is survived by his wife, Barbara and the families of his three sons: Christopher (Kathryn) of Eau Claire, Patrick (Jennifer) of Eau Claire and Daniel (Jill) of West Salem. He will be missed dearly by his grandchildren: Aubrey, Bryan, Andrew, Benjamin, Kate, Molly, and Thomas. He is survived by his sister, Patricia Strommen (Gordon); mother-in-law, Mary Frederickson; brothers- in-law: Mick, John (Lynne), Tom (Joan), and Steve (Patty) and sister-in-law, Mary Kay (Gary) Slutzky and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law, Leland, and sister-in-law, Joan (Dave) Wocken.
Tom's family wishes to thank the medical staff, nurses and therapists at Gundersen for their outstanding treatment during the weeks at rehab, as well as the entire Hospice Team at Gundersen for the comfort and care they provided to Tom in his final days.
To honor Tom memorials may be made to: the Boys and Girls Club of La Crosse, St. Patrick's Catholic Church of Onalaska and the Children's Miracle Network at Gundersen Medical Foundation.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 16th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1031 Main Street, Onalaska. Monsignor Steven Kachel will officiate and burial will be in the Catholic Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Thursday at the church from 9:00 a.m. until time of services.
The Dickinson Family Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences may be shared at www.dickinsonfuneralhomes.com.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Roberts
Mary Bilot
March 5, 2024
So many great memories of this great man. He helped us through very many appointments with our children so thankful that they had his care.
Janet Pickett
March 18, 2023
Dr Roberts was one of the pediatricians I was so fortunate to work with in Onalaska Pediatrics for many years. His kind ways and caring approach made any situation better. Such an incredible human being. My condolences go to the family and friends left behind. He was truly one of a kind that touched so many lives.
Janet former RN Peds Onalaska
Mary Jo Bilot
March 16, 2023
Our deepest, sympathies. And is a caregiver, I deeply appreciated all of the kindness and sincerity for our children provided through their years. He guided our family through many difficult times. We highly respect Tom and his family . I know our children are healthier because of him. He also guided us as parents to "keep our sanity" in situations. With deep respect, our condolences. Sincerely, Mike and Mary Jo Bilot
Kay and Scott Johnstone
March 14, 2023
He was our pediatrician for our 3 boys and blessed to work with him for many years! He was kind,compassionate and always supportive to staff he worked with. I enjoyed working with him as well as being our pediatrician.He made a difference to so many - our deepest sympathy!
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Christopher
March 14, 2023
It was my honor to work with Dr. Roberts and serve with him at a trustee for the Children's Miracle Network. He worked hard to care for and improve the lives of his patients and their families. A true advocate and he will be missed. Our prayers to his family. -Chris
Lance and Amanda Jurgensen
March 13, 2023
Dan and Family, thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Cheryl Whitesitt
March 13, 2023
Dr. Roberts was the BEST!
As a first time, new mother back in 1978, the first pediatrician assigned to our daughter. She was projectile vomiting and the doctor said, "You're just a nervous mother. You need to stop breastfeeding her and she'll be fine."
That was it! We discovered Dr. Roberts who got us in on short notice because our daughter, while seeming to be healthy, was not gaining weight. Upon the first visit, he totally checked her over and we talked... a lot as he got to know our daughter through observation and by my stories of her life thus far.
His suggestion, "If you have a chiropractor and feel safe with this person, I'd suggest taking her in for a visit." (Dr. Roberts was well ahead of his time.)
Before we left, he gave me his personal phone number - just like his obituary said, in case you don't believe it. He really did this.
His conclusion for our first visit, "YOU are her mother, and YOU know her best. DON'T stop nursing her. It's the best for her and for you. Call me, any time, day or night, if you see anything that doesn't look right. Let's make an appointment for next week to weigh in and see how things are going."
We took our daughter to our chiropractor. He was so gentle and never charged a thing. Snap, crackle, pop. That was the last day she threw up her milk.
The next week we "weighed in" and I shared our story. Dr. Roberts celebrated our story, and HE personally weighed her, not a nurse. She had gained several ounces in less than a week.
From then on, Dr. Roberts was our pediatrician, as well as our two sons that soon followed. After our first son was born, Dr. Roberts asked If I still had his number. I never felt like I needed to use his personal number, but I always had complete confidence that if I did have a concern, I could call him.
I have a feeling that many parents did call him throughout the years. For this, I want to, not only thank him, but I want to thank his family. I have no doubt that his wonderful wife and sons gave up many hours of their time with him so that he could help others.
We were sad to grow out of pediatrics but have never forgotten this beautiful man who was so much more than "the kids' doctor." He was "family friend," a servant, a comforter, an encourager.
May you rest in peace surrounded by children. Your love for each child set a young mother's heart at peace. I pray that Dr. Roberts is embraced in that peace that surpasses all understanding.
Chris (Dowiasch)Bakalars
March 13, 2023
I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Dr. Roberts in pediatrics. He exemplified great care giving with humility to his patients and was always kind towards his coworkers He also took care of 2 of my daughters who were diagnosed with type one diabetes. He gave the family support, dedicated service, and effective treatment. Peace and every blessing.
Bill Lipetzky
March 12, 2023
Barb and family. We are very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a great man, always fun to be around. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you all. Bill and Dixie.
Darla and Bob Westedt
March 12, 2023
Our daughter, Heidi Westedt, worked with Dr. Roberts for almost 25 years at Gundersen Health System. Oh how Heidi loved her Dr. Roberts. She always told us he was like her second Dad. Heidi died in 2015 but we know she was there standing on the shore with all the Saints to welcome him home to heaven. We know she will be happy to have him singing in the angelic choir next to her. Thank you Dr. Roberts for all the years of joy you gave to our Heidi. Praying for comfort and peace for Barb and all the family. Bob & Darla Westedt
Sherry L McDonald
March 12, 2023
A loss of a friend and gentleman to all. Blessings to you Barb and to your family. May you find comfort and peace.
Amy Knutson RT
March 12, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. He was truly a genuine person. Amy Knutson RT.
Janet K May
March 12, 2023
He was one of the Drs. that helped out daughter become what she is today. She wasn't given much hope of a productive live but Dr. Roberts and Dr. Cox gave us direction in all the benefits that helped her.
Our deepest sympathies to the entire family.
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