Thomas H Rye

Thomas H. Rye, age 92, passed away on May 4, 2014. He was born and grew up in La Crosse where he attended Logan High School and where he met his future wife, Edna Culp. Tom and Edna were married before he enlisted in the Army Air Force during WW II. In the service he attended Furman University in South Carolina and then served in both Europe and in the Pacific. Following his military service Tom worked as a railroad trainman and conductor until his retirement from Burlington Northern. Early in their marriage Tom and Edna moved their family to Onalaska where they raised their three daughters. Tom greatly enjoyed family and friends, and their home became the center for many holiday and family celebrations. He was an avid and accomplished golfer, a sport he began in playing in high school and continued playing throughout most of his life, once scoring a hole-in-one. In addition to his parents, Henry and Bertha (Maas) Rye, he is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, his brother Robert and his sister Marie. A devoted father, he will be missed by his daughters Suzanne (Chuck) Rodell of St. Cloud, MN, Nancy Rye of Clayton, CA., and Diane (Rodger) Bean of Onalaska, five grandchildren, Rob (Tiffany) Bean of Holmen, Cassie (Tony) Bartholomew of Concord, CA., Nathan (Shelly) Rodell of Denver,CO., Ryan Bean of Onalaska, and Anna Rodell of Minneapolis, and five great-grandchildren. Toms smile, wit, and gentle manner will always be remembered. The family will gather at a later date to have a private celebration of Toms life.