Thomas M. Cordes, Sr.

Thomas M. Cordes, Sr., 76, of La Crosse, died on Thursday, December 25, 2014, at the Tomah VA Medical Center.

He was born on June 20, 1938, in La Crosse, to John H. and Elaine (LaRose) Cordes. He married Lillie Mae Maines on April 16, 1959, in Harlingen, Texas. She preceded him in death on September 19, 2005.

Tom served in the U.S. Air Force as an MP and with the Security Police from 1955 to 1976. Following his retirement from the Air Force, he worked for the La Crosse Post Office for 20 years until his retirement.

In his free time, Tom enjoyed fishing and gardening. He was a past member of American Legion Post 52 of La Crosse.

Tom is survived by two sons, Thomas M. (Wendy) Cordes, Jr., of Dresbach, Minn., and John (Karen) Cordes of La Crosse; one daughter, Jodie A. Burch of La Crosse; eight grandchildren, Elginn Cordes, Amber Cordes, Josh Cordes, Greg (Katie) Troyanek, Jessica Troyanek, Ben (Jill) Troyanek, Melinda Cordes, and Melody Cordes; five great grandchildren plus one more on the way; two sisters, Dorothy Steers of La Crosse and Margaret Bakalars of West Salem; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by one sister, Mary Hickman; and one brother, Eddie Cordes.

Family and friends may call from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 30th, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Ave. So., La Crosse. There will be time for sharing memories of Tom to follow. Burial, with military honors will take place at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, at Mormon Coulee Memorial Park.