Thomas A. Havlik, 81, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at Hillview Healthcare Center in La Crosse. He was born December 1, 1931 to Joseph and Marie (Fischer) Havlik. He married Beverly J. Corbett May 5, 1956 at St. James Catholic Church in La Crosse. 

Thomas was a graduate of Aquinas High School and served in the US Marine Corps 1^st Marine Division from 1951 to 1954. He was the personal radio operator for Lt. General Lewis “Chesty” Puller in Inchon, Korea. He was a lifelong member of the Mitchell Red Cloud Marine Corp League. After his service in the Marine Corp., he joined the La Crosse Police Department where he worked for 30 years. During that time he earned a bachelor’s degree from UWL in psychology. He retired from the Police Department as a Sergeant and would later consult for the Police Department for 17 years. He enjoyed spending winters in Florida with his wife. He enjoyed flying and was especially proud to achieve his private flying license.

He is survived by his wife; children, Linda (Chris) Nicosia, Kathleen (Mark) Rynearson, Laura Merfeld, Timothy Havlik, James (Kris) Havlik, Michelle (Michael) Wojtowicz; grandchildren, Ceara, Timothy, Jennifer, T.J., Mathew (Ann), Bradley, Casey, Travis, Ashley; brothers, Joseph, Jerome; co-worker and friend, Doc Ferguson; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters; and 2 brothers.

The family would like to thank the care providers and staff at Hillview Healthcare Center.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, March 15, 2013 at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral, 530 Main St., La Crosse. The Rev. James Kurzynski will officiate. US Marine Corp funeral honors will be held after mass. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the mass at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Alsa research at www.alsa.org. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family.