Obituary
Thomas Anthony Ehrsam
Thomas Anthony Ehrsam, 61, who recently moved to Sun Prairie, Wisconsin from Rochester, passed away on January 4, 2013. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Jo-Ellen, son, Andrew (Ali), and grandsons, Tyler and Cameron. Other survivors include Tom’s father, James (Betty), brother, Mike (Dee), sisters Jane Shuey (John), Kathy (Bob) Ehrsam-Christianson, and Mary (Mark) Ehrsam-Padesky; and Betty’s sons Dave (Gena) Powell and Mike (Diana) Powell. Tom is also survived by Jo-Ellen’s family and a number of nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Tom’s mother, Elsie, preceded him in death.
Tom was born January 24, 1951 in La Crosse Wisconsin. He grew up in La Crosse and graduated from Central High School in 1969 and Winona State University in 1991. He and Jo-Ellen married on September 15, 1979 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in La Crosse. That same year, they moved to Rochester, Minnesota where Tom began working at Crenlo/Emcor until he retired in 2006.
Tom especially enjoyed date nights with his wife and spending summers with his family at their boathouse on the Black River. He also enjoyed reading fiction, doing crossword puzzles, watching sports, and playing cards. Tom had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. This was often noticeable when playing pinochle and watching football with his friends, Fred, Gregg, and Jim. He would want everyone to know that, even though he lived in Minnesota for decades, he was always a die-hard Packer fan.
Tom loved being a dad. He was proud to have never missed any of his son’s wrestling meets in high school. He participated in Boy Scouts with Andrew, having been an Eagle Scout himself. In recent years, he was also proud of Andrew’s military service.
One of Tom’s greatest joys was becoming a grandfather and spending time with his grandsons. He especially loved playing “tackle me again bumpa” and making pretend “toe soup” with Tyler. He also loved holding Cameron and was looking forward to seeing him take his first steps.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 10:30 am at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 1333 So. 13th St., La Crosse. The Rev. Larry Berger will officiate. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the mass at the church. Because Tom struggled with diabetes and its complications for more than 33 years, in lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to Mayo Clinic, 200 SW First Street, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, earmarked for diabetes research, or to the American Diabetes Association.
Dear JoEllen and family,
Although I know that no words can ease the loss you feel, just know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.
With deepest sympathy, Trudy