Thomas House

1959 - 2025

Thomas House

December 8, 1959 - November 11, 2025

Thomas Patrick House, "Hokey"

Thomas Patrick House, also known as "Hokey," 65, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, passed away on November 11, 2025, at Marshfield Hospital in Eau Claire after a year-long battle with liver cancer. He was born in Eau Claire on December 8, 1959, the youngest child of Lamar and Mavis House.

After graduating from Eau Claire North High School, Thomas began his career in the optical world at Benson's, where he worked for ten years. He cherished his weekends spent at the family cottage on Tainter Lake, driving his red speedboat, and teaching his nieces and nephews how to water ski. He will also be remembered for his beloved Yellow Ford Cobra Mustang and his love for music, which made every ride an adventure.

He accepted a store manager position with Lenscrafters in Eau Claire and then moved to Omaha, Nebraska, and subsequently to Rockford, Skokie, and Schaumburg, Illinois, over the next 15 years while continuing his career with Lenscrafters. After many years away from family, Thomas decided it was time to return home to Eau Claire, where he began his career at Hutchinson Technology, working the overnight shift for many years.

His hobbies included watching Sci-fi movies, especially the Star Wars saga, taking overnight gambling trips, and playing cards. A dedicated sports fan, he loved watching the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers, and Milwaukee Brewers, often sharing a bowl of popcorn or a beer with whoever was at the house to watch the game. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Terry House; his sisters, Cynthia Sentek and Kathleen Petska; his brothers-in-law, Roger Sentek and Dennis Johnson; his nieces, Stephanie Sentek and Emma Leigh Johnson; his nephews, Kevin Stelizg and Billy Stolt; and his great-niece, Krista Kae Barone.

He is survived by his brother, Steven (Sylvia) House; his sister, Julie Johnson; his sister-in-law, Debra (Steve) Flaskrud; his brother-in-law, Kenny Petska; and numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved taking on trips and spending his time with. Anyone who met Thomas, Tom, or "Uncle Tommy" quickly fell in love with him; he was an amazing person, inside and out.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Celebration of Life Center, 1717 Devney Dr, Altoona, WI. Visitation is from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with a service starting at 5:30 p.m. Interment will be privately held at Rest Haven Cemetery at a later date.

Chippewa Valley Cremation Services – Celebration of Life Center in Altoona is serving the family. To express condolences online, please visit www.chippewavalleycremation.com.