Thomas G. "Tom" Mancosky

Mancosky, Thomas G. "Tom"

Thomas Mancosky, age 60, Neenah, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 4, 2015, at Theda Clark Medical Center, after a courageous, nearly 4 year, battle with brain cancer. Tom was born at Theda Clark Hospital on August 15, 1955, the son of the late George and Delores (Stencil) Mancosky.

Tom attended St. John Grade School, Menasha, graduated from St. Mary Central High School, Menasha, and received an associate degree in science from the University of Wisconsin, Fox Valley.

On July 11, 1975, he married Ellen M. Schoultz, his high school sweetheart that he met in July of 1972, at a Blue Inn Dance. The celebrated their 40th anniversary surrounded with friends and family this past summer.

Tom worked for the Post Crescent for over 40 years starting as a paper carrier at the age of 12, and then getting his first job in the mail room at age 16 and advancing to the position of supervisor in the distribution center. He took great pride in doing his job well. It was with extraordinary sadness that he had to retire early because of complications from his multiple brain tumors.

As devastating as a diagnosis of brain cancer could have been, Tom continued to live life to the fullest and never complained. Even when new brain tumors developed three different times, Tom endured the hundreds of tests and treatments without anger, sadness, or a "why me" attitude. He was an inspiration for many.

Tom enjoyed traveling near and far right up to the end. He coordinated treatments, labs, and received medical care around the country to support his travel. Plane tickets were always purchased and waiting to take him somewhere. Unfortunately, tickets to Olympia this Christmas will not be used. Travel was a motivation to work hard and live longer for Tom; he took trips to Italy, Germany, Thailand, Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, and all points across the states. His favorite destinations were to visit family and to Las Vegas. In his earlier years, camping with the family and moving kids took him to destinations near and far.

Tom will be sorely missed by his wife: Ellen, son: Douglas (Pam), White, GA; daughters: Colleen (Jason) Scott, Plover, WI; and Sarah (Edward) Gavin, Olympia, WA. Papa Tom was a proud grandpa to Ella, Edison, Evelyn, and a new baby Gavin due June of 2016. He is further survived by his sister: Mary Ellen (Eric) Miron and their daughter: Lexie; his nephew and godson: Matthew Wellach, and Ellen's family: Mary (Fran) Lemley, Jerry (Jackie) Schoultz, Janet (Jef) Femal, Janis (Bob) Vanden Heuvel, Bill (Mary) Schoultz, Bob (Candy) Schoultz, Paul (Janet) Schoultz; as well as many extended family and friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 12, 2015, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 900 Geiger St., Neenah, with Fr. Larry Seidl officiating and Deacon John Gavin assisting. Family and friends are welcome to gather on Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's name would be appreciated for the Fox Valley Brain Tumor Coalition.

Tom's family will forever remember Dr. Thomas Klinkhammer who came to be totally trusted and loved like another son and the entire staff at Fox Valley Hematology and Oncology. Thank you to all the staff providers from Theda Care. Special Thanks to Dr. Thomas Wascher, Dr. Karl Greene, Dr. Editha Krueger, and David Bond PA for always providing the best of care and options. Also our appreciation to the Fox Valley Brain Tumor Support group. Further gratitude to Mary Weber, Mary Jo Murphy, and Rachel Baker; Tom's caretakers. Finally to the many family and friends that offered prayers and encouragement - especially Sue and Barry Christianson for playing hundreds of card games and always being supportive. Blessings were plentiful.

Per Tom's wishes, he was able to donate that which could be used from his body and thus was able to donate his eyes to the Lions Eye Bank, of Wisconsin. His love will live on in our hearts forever.