Thomas C. Gaustad, age 74 of Woodville, died peacefully on April 3, 2018 at his home after a long battle with Lewy Body dementia.

Tom was born on July 18, 1943, the son of Carroll and Myrtle (Thompson) Gaustad. He attended school in Baldwin, graduating with the class of 1961. On January 15, 1965, Thomas was united in marriage to Sandra Peterson and together they were blessed with two children, Tammy and Tim.

Tom worked in many jobs hauling milk, moving houses with Monicken and finally, as a custodial engineer at Viking (B-W) retiring in 1984 due to his eyes, Retinitis Pigmentosa (he had a hereditary eye disease his grandson and several nephews also endure). He was proud of his children. He and Sandy were avid travelers, visiting states in the upper Midwest, Wyoming, Utah, Texas, Arizona, and Florida. Fishing and camping in the great outdoors brought him joy and relaxation. Friends held a special place in Tom’s life as they helped fill his days with hope and fun during his retirement.  He especially enjoyed trips buying boats with his good friend, Duane Nelson, chats with long time neighbors, Art Jacobson and Ralph Bader or “working”with Jim Jarosch at his shop in Baldwin. Tom may have seemed “tough” but had a heart of gold. Many knew him as the janitor at Viking and may have passed a test because he opened the building for them over the weekend to grab that forgotten book to study. He was a quiet, funny and sarcastic man full of life. Tom adored his grandchildren, Rachel and Lance, spending many summers making memories with them at Camp Brigadoon in Cumberland, WI. He and Sandy always indulged them …tubing down the Namekagon and evening ice cream cones at Brigadoon will always be remembered.  Great grand man, Peter was the light of his life. Although he couldn’t “see him” he reveled in his energy and many, many questions. He even let him steal his white cane. He loved his wife, family and friends beyond words. He was so proud of his huge extended family and wide circle of friends. No matter what, he supported you.

Thomas is survived by his best friend and loving wife, Sandra; daughter, Tammy (Steve) Lund; son, Tim; grandchildren, Rachel and Lance Meyer and their dad, Dan Meyer; great-grandson, Peter Francis Vitale III; siblings, Marlys DeSmith, Charlene Snyder, Diane Jeske, Janice Knipfel; brothers-in-law, Barry Moran, Stanley Hanson, Bill (Colleen) Peterson, and Ken Lashley; sister-in-law, Nancy Peterson; as well as many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carroll and Myrtle Gaustad; in-laws, Vernon and Esther Peterson; sisters, Carolyn Hanson, Madolyn Vier, Rosalie Moran, and Phyllis Raehsler; brother, Peter; infant brother, Sam; brothers-in-law, Rodney DeSmith, Dave Snyder, Bernie Jeske, George “Bud” Knipfel, Laurence Vier, Roger Raehsler, Joe Peterson, and Jim Peterson; sister-in-law, Peggy Lashley; nephews, Steve DeSmith, Rick Raehsler, Brendan Moran, Scott Quist, Matt Koch and nieces, Nancy Snyder Clark and Emma DeSmith.

Funeral Service for Tom will be held at 5:00pm on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 at Peace Lutheran Church, 2084 Cty Rd N, Baldwin. Visitation will be from 3-5pm, prior to the service at church. Interment will take place in the church cemetery after the service. Memorials preferred to the family’s discretion.