Obituary
Thomas Charles Kendhammer
Thomas Charles Kendhammer, 83 of the Town of Medary, Passed away peacefully on November 14, 2023, at his home on the Farm
He was born on November 20, 1939 to Otto and Leona Kendhammer. Tom left high school early to help his father keep the farm, which has been in his family since ~1880. Tom’s first job outside the farm was at Allis Chalmers. It didn’t take him long to realize being inside doing factory work was not what he wanted to do. He then went to work at Overgaard Excavating operating heavy equipment and doing various jobs including, laying concrete, basements, & a construction laborer. He was self taught and picked up many skills and knowledge along the way, which led him to start his own business, Medary Construction for 52 years.
Tom had many interests and hobbies. Some were golf, bowling, dancing, trips to the casino, baking and cooking. Including making the sauerkraut in the crocs, that have been in his family for over 75 years. But his real passion was “The Farm”, gardening and his woodworking. His happy place was sitting on his front deck, after a long day on the farm, sipping a brandy.
Tom is survived by his partner Fae, his 5 children, Kim (Tom) Voshart, Patty (Gary) Arenz, Pam (Dick) McKim, Mark (Susan) Kendhammer, & Penny (Jim) Mickschl, 13 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 2 step children & their children.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Leona, his brothers Robert & Jerry and sisters, Virgina “Ginny” & Sandy.
A Visitation at 4:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 6:30 p.m. will be held Thursday, November 30, 2023 at The Gathering Place 133 Mason Street Onalaska, WI. Pastor Scott Skogen will officiate.
A special Thank you to Grace Community supported living services, which allowed Tom to stay in his home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the American Legion of Onalaska.
Tom will be greatly missed by many family and friends.
I’m so sorry to hear of your family’s loss. Never easy around the holidays. Know I’m thinking of you.
My deepest condolences to you, Faye, and all the family. Our partners in life will always be missed.
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing.
Our condolences to you and family.
It was good that he could stay at home for his final days.
May there be peace.
Dear Family,
I was saddened by receiving the news that Tom had passed and am equally saddened that I will be out of state this week and therefore unable to attend his Memorial Service. Please accept my condolences and know that you will be in my sincere and heartfelt prayers as you navigate through this time of loss.
Tom was a very special man – personable, honorable, kind, honest and caring. He was a good friend and will be dearly missed!
May the Lord that Tom knew and trusted in continue to bless each one of you and grace you with peace and the Hope of the Resurrection.
Sincerely and most respectfully,
Rev. Mark Clements
Tom gave me my first job ever with Medary Construction. I’ll always be thankful for that experience. RIP Tom!