Obituary
Thomas Lee Mumaw
Thomas Lee Mumaw, age 73 of Holmen, WI passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 30 at Bethel Homes and Services in Viroqua. He was surrounded by his family when he passed. Tom was born on March 3, 1948 to Owen and Marion Mumaw. He spent his childhood making memories in Greenville, Michigan. He loved to share countless stories of his days running with his buddies and siblings around Greenville. He attended Ferris State College and Flint Institute of Barbering.
In 1978 Tom moved to Wisconsin to open the Barbers Hairstyling for Men and Women franchise in La Crosse. He married in 1973 and had two daughters, Sarah and Katie and later divorced. Tom spent years opening, owning and operating several Barbers and Cost Cutters stores in the area.
Throughout his life, Tom loved “cowboying!” He enjoyed riding, caring for and owning horses and this passion never faded. When he wasn’t riding horses, he loved riding motorcycles and dancing. His biggest passion, however, was his family.
In 1993 he married Pamela Sievert (Holzer) and gained his step-children, Matthew, Samantha and Lindsey Sievert who he loved as his children. In addition, Tom became “Papa” to many of his kids’ friends. He attended and cheered them on in sporting events, concerts and competitions. When not cheering on his kiddos, you could find him in his “nest” watching Little House on the Prairie and cowboy movies. Wherever he was, Tom was sure to make the people around him laugh. Anyone in his presence felt welcome and important.
Tom is survived by his wife, Pamela, children; Sarah (Mike) Flury, Katie (Josh) Luick, Matt Sievert, Samantha (Jamey) Lessard, Lindsey (Tony) Hilton and 14 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Richard “Dick” (Marilyn) Mumaw, Mary (Chuck) Reed, Janet (Allen “Punk”) Kelly, Nancy (Mike) Schriener, Jerry (Kathy) Mumaw and brother-in-law Mark Kraus.
He is preceded in death by: parents, Owen and Marion, his sister Betty Kraus, niece Melanie Kraus and dear friend Victor Borgmann. In addition, he was preceded by Pam’s parents, Bryl and Doris Holzer, sister-in-law, Ardie Lezpona-Holzer, and brother-in-law Larry Holzer .
The family extends a very special Thank You to Bethel Homes and Services in Viroqua and Gundersen Health System for the exceptional care over the past years. Tom will surely be remembered for his quick wit, one liners and jokes. He would want to remind everyone to “Remember the Alamo!” “I love you ‘dis much!” and “Don’t call me Shirley!” We’re sure he’s saying “I’ll just wait here” until we meet again.
A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 515 N Main St. Holmen, WI. Visitations will take place from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Monday, December 6, 2021 at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason St. Onalaska, and from 9:30 until the time of the mass at the church on Tuesday.
Pam & family-
So sorry for your loss. May the memories of Tom bring you peace in the days ahead.
God Bless-
Sheila Schneider
I am so saddened to hear of Tom’s passing. He was my first boss when I started doing hair. I worked for him for 5 years until I moved to the Milwaukee area which he helped me secure a job there. I have to say some thirty years later he is still among some of the best people I have met. I will never forget him!!!
Tom was a hero for enduring years of health issues. He would say “it’s been nice talking to me!” He will remain in our hearts forever.
Oh Tom! The strongest man alive, he beat Covid when the odds were stacked against him. The day he returned from the hospital proved he was the strongest.Okay there is not a word that can describe how missed he will be! I was so lucky to know him, he would brighten your day even on his worst days. I was so jealous of the love his family showed him, which could only mean that he was the best husband, father, brother and son. I will SURELY (he always told me not to call him surely) miss him. God bless Tom and Rest In Peace sir.
Uncle Tom was one of my heroes growing up. I really looked up to him, he had an aura that was so cool. I always hoped that he would show up at family gatherings so I could spend some more time with him. I remember getting my hair cut a few times through the years. I remember karate sparring with him in Owen and Marions backyard. I remember sometimes laughing and sometimes sitting in awe listening to his anecdotes. He was truly a special person and someone that I miss greatly even though we haven’t seen each other for years. All of our love to friends and family, may his light shine forever in your hearts!
Wishing we could be there! Nephew Rich, Jeanette, Elias, Oliver and Adam
My Condolences to Pam & Family , Tom was a great guy and will be missed .
I am so sorry for your loss. I pray you will feel God’s love in the difficult days ahead and be comforted. Treasure all your fond memories and may they bring you peace.
Pam and family – I am so sorry for your loss of Tom. Praying he is now at peace. Hugs to all of you.
Tom was one of the nicest guys, always smiling and Joking. He will be missed. Loved him!
I am so sorry too hear of Tom’s passing Tom & Jerry were friends back in our younger days in Michigan RIP Tom
Katie, Sarah and family, so sorry for your loss and pain. Todd and I will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Lana Buchner