Thomas M. Kamm, 63
Thomas M. Kamm, age 63, of the Twp of Erin Prairie, Wis., passed suddenly on the evening of Oct. 29 after collapsing in his favorite chair following his favorite meal.
Thomas M. Kamm, age 63, of the Twp of Erin Prairie, Wis., passed suddenly on the evening of Oct. 29 after collapsing in his favorite chair following his favorite meal.
Tom was born Aug. 19, 1949, in Clear Lake, Wis., to Max and Mathilda (Holldorf) Kamm. He was baptized at Trinity Lutheran Church in Glenwood City and confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest. He grew up in the Glenwood City area and began his public schooling at the Camp 9 Country School. In 1967, he graduated from Glenwood City High School. On April 17, 1971, Tom married Carol Palewicz at St. John's Catholic Church in Glenwood City. Each would serve as anchor to the other for the next 41 years of marriage. In 1975, Tom purchased his farm in Erin Prairie and that would be the framework for his life until the time of his death. He milked registered Holstein cows and grew corn and alfalfa, often sharing the work with his brother, Donovan. During the years on the farm, he employed well over 20 people, most of whom shared his family home and became members of a large extended family.
The foundation Tom built with those things he could control left him a life of immeasurable success evidenced by the friendships he has left behind. After a barn fire in 2000, Tom helped his two sons re-establish the herd of Holstein cows, serving as a guide and mentor for the last 12 years of his life. Besides the farm, he set his own goals on opening a repair shop that has flourished, serving many a local farmer. It developed into one of his greatest joys and a true life passion. Additionally, he worked as an artificial inseminator which combined two of his favorite things: talking with good people and seeing good cows.
Tom's free-spirited early years gave way to his commitment to family, friends, and farming. Tom's kitchen table and his shop tool served as a backdrop for countless hours of discussion about farming, school, money and economics, football, tractors, and various other topics of the day. His greatest talent was his ability to engage people of all kinds. He had a gift for making all feel comfortable and valued. His quick wit, intelligence, thoughtfulness, and the playful banter of his conversations will be deeply missed. An avid fisherman, Tom most enjoyed the lakes and rivers of Canada, but also liked to wet a line on Lake Wapogasset.
For the last 38 years, he molded his family, taking great pride in the successes and accomplishments of his sons, their wives, and most recently his grandchildren. His grandchildren will mostly miss playing dodge ball with grandpa, cleaning his vise in the shop, and being teased relentlessly.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents.
Tom is survived by wife, Carol Kamm; sons: Lance Thomas Kamm and wife, Shannon; Ryan Thomas Kamm and wife, Erin; grandchildren, Sophia and Stella Kamm; brother, Donovan Kamm and wife, Karen. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends, co-workers and clients.
Funeral services were held Friday, Nov. 2, at St. John's Catholic Church, with Dale Riba officiating. Disposition will be at the Eau Claire Memorial Crematory.
Local arrangements by the Anderson Funeral Home in Glenwood City, Wis.
Tags: obituaries
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