Thor Sundberg, 82, of Onalaska, died Thursday, January 23, at his home surrounded by family.

Thor was born July 8, 1942, in Pittston, Pennsylvania, the middle child of Gustave and Stella Sundberg. Thor’s father was a sea captain and away often for months at a time, so he and his big brother, Gus, and little sister, June, were raised by Stella and her mother, Michalena. Thor loved to tell stories about fishing the Susquehanna River with Gus, foraging for wild mushrooms, and visiting his father when his ship was in port. Grandma spoke only Lithuanian, so Thor and his siblings picked up words and phrases used around the house (he heard the Lithuanian for “Shut the door!” often enough that he never forgot it).

Thor was a graduate of Valparaiso University and Case Western Reserve University. He was a committed public servant and worked 35 years for La Crosse County Human Services. He believed deeply in the role of government in the protection and aid of society’s neediest and most vulnerable. He loved relaxed dinners on the porch with Cheryl and his kids, drowning worms with Chris or Eric, watching Noah play or referee hockey, and cooking with Brynn. He was proud of, and paid attention to, his children’s accomplishments and their varied interests, and loved when they introduced him to a new band or recipe or gadget. Thor loved when his home was filled with family and friends (including all their dogs), especially to share a meal. He was perpetually curious, frequently playful, an excellent cook, and a top-shelf handyman. Thor spent much of his time working on his cabin, which he had gradually (and almost single-handedly) transformed into a lakeside destination for visiting family and friends. Truly a renaissance man. We miss him so much.

Thor is survived by his wife, Cheryl Neubauer, sons Eric, Christopher (Caryn Mahaffay), and Noah (Alex Jackson), daughter Brynn (Isaac Sundberg), sister June (Charles Martin), and faithful companion Simon (the dog). He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother Gus.

The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice for their kindness and caring during his brief time in hospice.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, January 30, from 4-7pm at The Gathering Place (133 Mason St, Onalaska, WI 54650).