Obituary
Thomas E. Anderson
Thomas E. Anderson, 85, of Viroqua, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2025.
Tom was born on December 16, 1939, to Adolpf and Gerti Anderson. He attended the Onalaska School system but left before graduation to join the Army Reserves at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, where he specialized in carpentry.
In September 1959, he married Rita Anderson (née Deal), and they, along with their daughter Kelly, moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin. He worked there for many years “making ramblers” before they moved back to La Crosse, Wisconsin. In La Crosse, he became a mechanic at La Crosse Footwear, where he worked for over 20 years.
After both Tom and Rita retired, they moved to Buffalo City, Wisconsin. It was there that he loved spending time in or on the water with his boat.
Tom loved life and was a very charismatic person. He adored his two granddaughters, Danielle and Amanda, and doted on them every chance he got. He loved his boats, any body of water, and his family and friends. He will truly be missed by all.
He is survived by his two granddaughters, Danielle (Brandon) Burke of Sparta, Wisconsin, and Amanda Lokken of La Crosse, Wisconsin; two great-granddaughters, Bristol and Brielle Burke; and his three sisters, Debra Kennedy of Onalaska, Wisconsin, Mary (Don) Nerby of Alamo, Texas, and Kathryn Anderson of Ferryville, Wisconsin. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Geri Anderson; his beloved wife, Rita Anderson; his only child, Kelly Lokken; his brothers, David and Olaf Anderson; and two of his sisters, Orlene Hough and Jayne Hooverson.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 18th, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at The Gathering Place in Onalaska, Wisconsin.
The family of Tom would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the Trempealeau County Health Care Center. They loved Tom, and he loved them.
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family. Condolences may be made by visiting CouleeCremation.com.
Beautiful tribute to Uncle Tom. He was a beautiful, kind soul. So smart, and loved by everyone. Will miss him and the rest of our family who has passed. I know Rita and Kelly and all of our family were there to greet him. ❤️