Thomas Emil Hegg, 55, of La Crosse passed away Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born Jan. 30, 1956, to Virgil and Patricia (Dorschied) Hegg in La Crosse. Throughout his childhood years, he enjoyed waterskiing, fishing, and watching football. He was confirmed at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1974. Soon after high school, he served in the Air Force for three years. After that, Tom lived and worked over the years in Wisconsin, New York, and Nevada. His job took him across North America. Tom liked outdoor grilling and was a great handyman who worked on many home improvement projects.

Tom is survived by his wife, Robin (Hoppe) of La Crosse; his father, Virgil Hegg of La Crosse; two sisters, Barb (Jane) Flowers of Glenville, Minn., and Kathy (Harlan) McLain of La Crosse; one brother, David (Claire) Hegg of Ogden, Utah; two nephews, Jesse (Brittany) Osborne of Waupaca and Lucas (Desiree) Osborne of Onalaska; three nieces, Alissa, Emily, and Megan McLain of La Crosse; and one great-niece, Mollie Osborne.

Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.