Thomas John Kendhammer

Thomas John Kendhammer was born February 15 ^th , 1946 in La Crosse, WI to Ruth (Reichgelt) and Herman Kendhammer. He passed away April 8 ^th , 2023 in Hudson WI surrounded by family. Tom had a “non-traditional” upbringing, in that he was raised at The Catholic Cemetery of La Crosse where his father was employed as a caretaker. He and his older brother Peter learned the value of hard work at an early age. One of his jobs was mowing the cemetery grass with a push reel mower. During the summer, it would take a full week to mow the entire cemetery and then he would have to start all over again. In the free time that he had, he was a kid of the 50’s, roaming around town, walking to the candy store, trapping critters along the Mississippi. He attended Aquinas High School where he met his future wife, Jean Derouin. Tom had more than a few adventures as a young man, like the time he and Pete were in Winona and, in an effort to avoid law enforcement, made a quick turn onto what Pete was sure was an alley. It was not. But driving through that backyard worked to get away from the cops.

Tom volunteered for the Army and served four years in the Army Reserves. He was hired on at Trane company at the age of 19 and worked there until he retired in 2007. He and Jean married, bought their first house in Brownsville, MN and started a family with four kids; Lisa, Lana, Tom, and Clay. The family moved to a new place in rural La Crescent, a home that Tom designed and built largely on his own. Seven years later, his youngest son Adam was born.

Besides working at Trane, Tom worked construction jobs on the side, building houses, remodeling, roofing… he could do it all. He also supplemented his income trapping and selling the hides, though truth be told, he probably would’ve done it for free. He still found time to coach youth hockey and cheer his kids on in sports of all sorts.

Tom was a modest guy and has described himself as an “ok father and a pretty good grandpa.” In truth he was a very good father, but he was a fantastic Grandpa. For him, it was easy because his grandchildren were the most incredible people he had ever met. Whatever they were doing, he wanted to know. He attended as many baseball, basketball, hockey, soccer, softball, football, volleyball games, and county fair and dance competitions as he possibly could, and if he couldn’t be there, he was figuring out a way to watch online.

Tom was blessed to have friends whose personalities matched his. They were people filled with kindness, generosity, and humor. Throughout his life, he rarely missed an opportunity to lend them a hand and rarely had trouble finding help when he needed it. Bill, Gordie, Harold, Dick, Teresa, Guy, Ester, Richard, Bob, Gary, Mike, Gloria make up a small part of list too long to write. Tom cherished their friendship and his family appreciates all the love they bestowed upon him over the years.

Tom had challenges in life. His health was a struggle for many years and the loss of his beloved son Adam seemed at times too much to bear. But he carried on for as long as he could, determined to see what those grandkids would do next. They all made it to his bedside before he passed, and there was not a dry eye in the room… except for Tom. He would hear one of his grandkids’ names, his eyes would open, he would smile with all his heart, and he would reach for a hug. Grandpa is gone and they will forever miss him. He will never be forgotten because of how he made each of them feel like they were the most important person in the world.

Tom is survived by his wife Jean (Derouin), his daughters Lisa (Tim) Servais, Lana (Craig) Tunks, sons Tom (Sharon) Kendhammer and Clay (Deanne) Kendhammer, grandchildren Zach (Meghan), Sabrina and Jackson Servais, Savanah and Samantha Tunks, Andrew, Hannah, Tommy, and Isabella Kendhammer, Evan, Natalie, and Nathan Kendhammer, and several nieces and their families.

Preceded in death by his beloved son Adam, his parents Herman and Ruth, and his brother Peter.

In accordance with Tom’s wishes, there will be no memorial service held, but the family will celebrate his life privately. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Special Olympics or another charity that provides aid to children.

I pray that you will have the blessing of being consoled…
May you know in your soul that there is no need to be afraid.
When your time comes, may you be given every blessing and shelter that you need.
May there be a beautiful welcome for you in the home that you are going to.       – John O’Donohue