Thomas Klimek

Thomas “Tom” Paul Klimek, 80, of Independence, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center in La Crosse, surrounded by his sons and longtime partner. Tom was born on June 30, 1945, in Arcadia, to Thomas and Gertrude (Kujak) Klimek. He graduated from Arcadia High School in 1963 and soon after enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving from 1963 to 1966, including an overseas assignment in Germany.

In 1969, Tom married Bonnie Gamroth in Independence. Together, they raised two sons, Jeffrey and Joshua, his greatest pride and joy. The couple shared 21 years of marriage. Tom built a long and successful career as a construction/project manager with the Wisconsin State Highway Department, where he worked for 22 years. He later continued in the field at Wilber Lime Company before finishing his career at Kraemer Companies, retiring in 2006.

A true outdoorsman, Tom found joy in every season. In the summer, he could often be found on the golf course, boating on the Mississippi River with family and friends, or on the ballfield, where he played both fast-pitch and later slow-pitch softball for Dan’s Bar Old Timers in Waumandee. He also spent many hours lending a hand on his brother John’s farm in Ettrick. When fall arrived, Tom looked forward to deer hunting season, where the camaraderie at Dan’s hunting shack was just as important as the hunt itself.

After retirement, Tom met his special friend, Dori, and together they enjoyed years of companionship between their homes in Independence and Surprise, Arizona, where they happily escaped Wisconsin winters. They cherished daily walks, golf cart rides during happy hour with a “toddy” in hand, watching the birds and wildlife, and spending time with family and friends. Tom also enjoyed spirited cribbage games with his buddies and treasured rounds of golf with his “Geritol group” on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Above all, Tom was deeply devoted to his faith and family. He loved being a grandfather to his four grandchildren—Gracie, Damon, Addison, and Cameron—and always reminded them to “trust in God.”

Tom is survived by his longtime partner: Dori Koehler; former wife: Bonnie Klimek; sons: Jeffrey (Gina) Klimek of Peyton, CO, and Joshua (Gina) Klimek of Hudson; grandchildren: Gracie, Damon, Addison and Cameron; sister: Marge Resler; sisters-in-law: Lois Klimek and Angie Klimek; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather: Mike Kamrowski; brothers: John and Gus Klimek; brother-in-law: Len Resler; nephew: Mike Klimek; and nieces: Carol Johnson and Maria Wendt.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Gundersen Oncology (Dr. Eckley and team), Gundersen Palliative Care, Radiation Oncology, and the many nurses and staff who cared for Tom with such compassion in his final weeks.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Holy Family Parish with Father Kyle Laylan officiating. Family and friends are welcome for visitation from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the Wozney-Killian Funeral Home, and also from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home on Friday. A public rosary will be recited beginning at 10:30 a.m. followed by the procession to Mass. Burial with Military Honors presented by the Tickfer-Erickson Post #17 will be in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to "family wishes". To express condolences to his family online, please visit www.wozneykillianfh.com.