Thomas K. Haroldson

Thomas K. Haroldson, 77, of Cornell passed away suddenly and unexpectedly Friday, Feb. 7, 2014 at his home.

Tom was born on Nov. 11, 1936, the son of Helmer and Helen (Ponick) Haroldson in Iowa. He grew up in the Town of Cleveland and attended Keystone school.

Thomas was united in marriage to Doris Ann Rucks on Dec. 18, 1954 at St. John's Parsonage in Cornell.

Following marriage, he worked for the City of Cornell, and on Dec. 7, 1955 he was hired at St. Regis Paper Mill (also known later as Flintkote, Globe, Genstar). Tom - known as "Benny" - was a very faithful employee and was a tower boss, retiring in 1986.

Tom enjoyed camping, gardening, fishing, hunting, flea markets, was an avid collector of knives and collectables. He also enjoyed traveling and visiting with people, and cooking, especially cabbage rolls - people would travel for miles to get his cabbage rolls. Another of his passions was taking pictures and videos, preserving memories of family events.

Tom was very patriotic and supported veterans. He had a servants heart and was available to help anyone. He would light up the room like an eagle that was flying over.

Tom instilled good work ethics and morals that will be passed on for generations, and he was a devoted father, husband, grandfather and great-grandfather and will be greatly missed.

Thomas is survived by: his children, Thomas J. (Shari) Haroldson of New Richmond, Timothy "Duke" J. (Sue) Haroldson of Eau Claire and Tammy K. Haroldson of Chippewa Falls; grandchildren Stacy Warner, Elisabeth Haroldson, Gabriel Haroldson, Jenna Siverling, Mary Haroldson, Matthew Haroldson, Abigail Haroldson, Luke Deutschlander, Andrea Haroldson and Jacob Deutschlander; nine great-grandchildren; lifelong companion Doris Haroldson of Cornell; siblings Virginia Ellis of Cornell, Jackie Wood of Minnesota, Rodney (Florence) Haroldson of Cornell, Joanne (Carl) Olynick of Ladysmith, Sandra (Russell) Larson of Jim Falls, Cynthia (Lewis) Yetter of Jim Falls, Jerry (Harriet) Potaczek of Cornell, Timothy (Sally) Potaczek of Cornell, Alois "Bear" (Heidi) Potaczek of Cornell, Doug Potaczek of Cornell, and John (Patrice) Potaczek of Bloomer; sister-in-law Carlene Potaczek of Chippewa Falls; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by: his parents, Helmer and Helen Haroldson; stepfather Joseph Potaczek; brothers, Helmer Haroldson, Jr., Allen Potaczek and Joey Potaczek; and brothers-in-law John Ellis and Roy Wood.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Cornell, with Rev. Patrick Feldhus officiating. Interment will follow the services at the Cornell Cemetery.

Family and friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at the Borton-Leiser Funeral Home in Cornell, and also one hour before services Wednesday at the church.

Express online condolences at www.leiserfuneralhome.com