- Obituary
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- Condolences
Thomas E. “Tom” Kerkenbush, age 66, of Platteville, WI, died on March 20, 2020, comfortably at home from complications of liver cancer. To honor Tom’s life, there will be no visitation or services at this time. A picnic will be held at the farm later this summer to celebrate his life. The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Tom’s family.
Tom was born on September 29, 1953, in Potosi, WI, a son to Eugene and Theresa (Leibfried) Kerkenbush. He grew up enjoying the great outdoors and was an exceptional athlete, playing any sports he could when the opportunities arose. Just out of high school he landed a job at John Deere Dubuque Works, where he spent his whole working career, retiring after 30 years. Tom married Betty Brickl on his 20th birthday and after 46 years together they had 3 children and 3 grandkids.
Tom enjoyed the good life; fishing, hunting, cutting wood, fixing fence on the farm, gardening, and antique picking. His favorite past-time was hanging out with his family or friends and he faithfully spent the last few years in full wrestling Grandpa mode. He was a best friend to many and he will be greatly missed. Tom especially loved ice fishing for crappies, “May the vision of you ice fishing in your white boots and hover craft bring us some peace until we meet again”.
Tom’s Family includes:
his wife,
Betty Kerkenbush, Platteville, WI;
his 3 children,
Cameron (Catie) Kerkenbush, Platteville, WI,
Brenda (Kevin) Davis, Kieler, WI,
and Casey Kerkenbush, Platteville, WI;
his 3 grandchildren,
Kadyn Davis, Kalie Davis and Jaycie Davis;
his siblings,
Connie Carbone, Platteville, WI,
Bonnie (Ted) Rojemann, Potosi, WI,
David (Roxy) Kerkenbush, Verona, WI,
and Roger (Chris) Kerkenbush, Dubuque, IA;
along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbors.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; and his mother and father-in-law, Mark and Dorothy Brickl.
Tom’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Agrace Hospice for all of the wonderful care and support they have provided to Tom, and his family.
Until our picnic is scheduled later this summer, family and friends are invited to send cards to 4763 Timber Drive East, Platteville, Wisconsin, 53818, and online condolences may also be shared with Tom’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com
To honor Tom’s life, there will be no visitation or services at this time. A picnic will be held at the farm later this summer to celebrate his life.
Betty and family, you have my prayers and sympathy during this difficult time.
We are holding all of you tightly in our hearts and prayers.
So sorry to hear this Betty. You have my thoughts, prayers and sympathy at this time. May Tom now rest in peace.
Betty and family, I’m so sorry for your loss, I remember all the fun we had at Bonnie and Pete’s pool. Prayers for you all🙏🏻
Dear Betty, My deepest sympathy. I will hold you and your family in prayer. Sincerely,
Connie Wessels
Dear Betty, kids, and sibs, We were so sad to hear of Tom’s illness and passing. Please accept our prayers and deepest sympathy. Hugs, Deb & Gary Droessler
I was sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. We worked for some time together at Deere’s. We both shared the love of the outdoors. A few times I ran into him sitting on the river. He was an exceptional fisherman. I send my sympathy to all the family. Always enjoyed bumping into Tom.
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. R.I.P. my friend.
Betty and family. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Somewhere in Heaven there will be a marathon sheepshead game going and Tom will get all four Queens and both black Jacks for the perfect hand! rest in peace my friend!
We are deeply saddened by the news of Toms passing our heart condolence to you and family.
Our prayers for peace and healing during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy
Tom’s family,my name is Phil Wagner I worked alongside Tom at John Deere for a number of years,over those years he always talked fondly of you, Betty, and all your children. He will sadly be missed,you have my deepest sympathy.
Casey, very sorry for your loss. It always hurts when a parent leaves, even when you know its coming. Best wishes.
Betty, I’m at a loss for words. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Tom will be deeply missed to all that knew him and loved him.
Hello, my name is Dave Grimes I worked with Tom at John Deere, we continued our friendship into retirement. I got the biggest kick out of his laugh. We talked politics especially whats has happened during the last 3 years and about the good old John Deere days. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
My deepest sympathy & prayers.
Betty and Family: Tom was one of the good guys. He loved you all very much. I will always cherish the time I had with Tom, Cam, and Casey with my dad and brother when I was a kid. Turtle hunting, deer hunting up north, ice fishing, morel hunting. He always was so nice to me with tons of laughter and smiles that were so contagious. God bless.
Betty and family, during these trying times, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Dwell on those good times with your beautiful family all around. Sending you a hug until we can do it together.
Sheila and Marsh