Thomas Allan Kish

Thomas Allan Kish, 67, passed away unexpectedly at his home in La Crosse on Monday, November 2, 2020. He was born on October 19, 1953, to Jule and Leora (Strasser) Kish in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Tom was a 1971 graduate of Central High School.  After graduating from high school, Tom served in the US Navy.  Upon returning from his naval enlistment, Tom began employment as a machinist at Trane Company, where he was employed for 39 years until his retirement in 2013.

Tom lived life on his terms and made no apologies for it.  Often referred to as the runt of the litter, and nearly the middle of ten siblings, Tom had his ways to make his presence known.  He was loud, he was crass, and almost always, he was a pain in the ass.  But Tom had a heart as big as any guy could possess, and boy was he loved.

Throughout his life, he took on many roles: son, brother (times 9), husband (times 3), father (times 2), gramps (times 1), and friend (too many to count).  Tom showed his love to family and friends through his wit and relentless sense of humor, his ability to feed the masses, and his talent for mixing strong drinks. He was best at showing his love and affection through his actions.  Tom was a top-notch cook no matter the locale; he was grill master, expert fish fryer, candy confectionaire, and most recently, Insta-Pot champion.

Tom’s passion for cooking was equal to his love of the outdoors.  You don’t get a nickname like Big Fish Kish by sitting at home thinking about fishing...You have to earn it, and earn it, he did.  BFK’s angling ability was second to none. No matter the season, if there were fish to be found, he was casting his line out ready to reel them in.  He always looked forward to his yearly trip to Canada in search of the biggest, tastiest walleyes in North America.  Hunting was also a great pastime for Tom.  He enjoyed many years of deer camp with his brothers and friends.  Tom’s bacon-wrapped venison backstraps were a family favorite.

Tom’s competitive spirit was another testament of his strong personality.  Before Covid-19, he was an avid Euchre player at the Moose Lodge.  Tommy played to win, and if that wasn’t your attitude, too bad; he was competitive enough for the whole room.  Cribbage and Farkle were two of his other staples.  He also reveled in cheering on his Packers, Badgers, and Brewers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jule and Leora Kish, and two brothers, Raymond and Jim.

Tom is survived by his daughters, Kala (Trevor) Milliren of Mauston, Wisconsin, and Katie Kish of La Crosse.  The light of his life for the past eight years has been his granddaughter, Norah Milliren. The bond between Norah and Gramps was admired by all who were lucky enough to witness it.  Tom is also survived by his siblings, Bill (Mary) Kish, Dick (Lyn) Kish, Peter (Lisa) Kish, Mary (Mark) Swiggum, Joe (Denise) Kish, Julie (Chris) Corazza, and John (Lynn) Kish.  Many nieces and nephews will also miss his presence.

In honor of Tom, a celebration of life will be planned in the spring or early summer due to the restrictions of Covid-19.  Memorials may be sent to the funeral home, 200 West Avenue So., La Crosse, WI 54601