Thomas J. Nayes

1952 - 2025

Thomas J. Nayes

March 31, 1952 - June 23, 2025

Thomas J. "Tom" Nayes, 73, of New Auburn, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on Monday, June 23, 2025, after a courageous eight-year battle with metastatic prostate cancer of the bone. He surpassed his 3-5 year prognosis by three years. Tom kept a positive attitude, had faith in God, and was a free spirit with a zest for life.

He was born in Chippewa Falls, WI, to Harold and Bonnie (Redmond) Nayes on March 31, 1952. He graduated from Chippewa Falls Senior High in 1970. He then attended and graduated from UW-Eau Claire.

Tom met the love of his life and partner of 46 years, Tammy Fox, in 1979. Their union brought them to many exciting places, from Key West, FL, Steamboat Springs, CO, Jackson Hole, WY, Denver, CO, to Cody, WY. Tom and Tammy loved backpacking in the summers and downhill skiing in the winters.

In 1986, they returned to the Chippewa Valley and built a home on Chain Lake. Wanderlust hit again in 1989, and they moved to Las Vegas, NV. They returned to their home and family in 1994 with their baby boy, Tanner.

Over the years Tom was a salesman for Fox RV, a carpenter for Prince Construction, and a salesman for North Point RV when his cancer forced him to retire. He enjoyed skiing with his family at Christie Mountain where he was a member of the National Ski Patrol. Tom loved life on Chain Lake and cherished his winters on Fort Myers Beach.

Tom leaves behind his wife, Tammy; son, Tanner (Hope) Nayes of Eau Claire; and the joy of his life, his granddaughter Everly, who loved her Papa. He is further survived by his brother, Terry (Jane) Nayes; mother-in-law, Joann Fox; brothers-in-law, Greg Fox, Mark (Judy) Fox and Gary (Barb) Fox; nieces and nephews, Emily (Ryan) Clark, David (Deanna) Nayes, Kayha and Kort Fox, Nikki (Brian) Byrd, Ashley, Alan and Katie Fox, Jamie and Jeremy (Kiyanna) Fox; great-nieces and nephews, Liam and Marin Clark, Charlotte, Sophia and John Nayes, Berkeley and Yugi Byrd, and Theo Fox; and many cousins, dear friends, and neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and father-in-law, Norman Fox.

The family would like to thank Dr. Basu and the staff at the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, the staff of St. Croix Hospice, and Joe and Shirley Polkowske for helping Tom enjoy one last trip to the beach in Florida.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, at Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel, Chippewa Falls, with a memorial service at 4 p.m. Rev. Aaron Sturgis will officiate. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Christie Mountain Ski Patrol or donor's choice.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, Chippewa Falls, is serving the family. Please share your memories or condolences online at pedersonvolker.com.

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