Thomas Paul Lathrop, M.D.
August 21, 1943 – September 24, 2026

Dr. Thomas P. Lathrop, 83, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, died Thursday, September 24, 2026.

Tom was born in Darlington, Wisconsin, to Joseph and Thelma (Crowley) Lathrop. He graduated from Darlington High School and Loras College before earning his medical degree from the University of Wisconsin. He married Lynn McGreane in 1965.

After completing his residency, Tom served two years as a major in the U.S. Army at Fort Hood, Texas. He then returned to Gundersen Lutheran, where he practiced internal medicine until retiring in 2012. A gifted diagnostician and dedicated teacher, he mentored generations of physicians and helped advance medical education and the use of electronic medical records at Gundersen.

Away from medicine, Tom was curious by nature and never stopped learning. He enjoyed books, gardening, skiing and summer days on the Mississippi River. Most of all, he cherished his family and took great joy in being a grandfather, following his grandchildren’s lives and celebrating their accomplishments.

He was preceded in death by his parents his brother, Patrick Canan, and granddaughter Samantha Elizabeth Shaw.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lynn; children Angela Lathrop (Alan Treinen) of Lodi WI, Christy Shaw (Mark Shaw) of Dousman, WI, Susie Iannacchino (Paul Iannacchino) of Madison, WI, Melissa Pedersen (Nick Pedersen) of Maple Grove MN and Joel Lathrop (Anne Lathrop) of Onalaska, WI. Also eleven grandchildren, brother Michael Canan; and siblings John Lathrop and Mary Jo (Lathrop) Russell.

A celebration of Tom’s life service will be held on Friday, October 2nd, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St., Onalaska. Visitations will be held at The Gathering Place on Thursday, October 1st, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. as well as from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. Memorials may be directed to a charity or organization chosen by the family in memory of Tom.  Coulee Region Cremation Group is in