Thomas A. Ristow

Thomas A. Ristow, 72 of La Crosse passed away at his home on Sunday, August 30, 2020 following an extended illness. He was born in La Crosse on February 6, 1948 to Clifford and Rosemary (Norby) Ristow and graduated from Central High School in 1966.

Tom served in the U.S. Army Reserves until his discharge. He married Mary Lou Kendhammer and together they had two daughters, Jackie and Nicole before divorcing. On July 26, 2006 he married Karla Asleson in La Crosse.

Tom had owned and operated Tommy’s Crossroads Bar, The Barrel Inn and the Packer Inn. He was very proud of the fact that he had the first karaoke machine in La Crosse, located in Tommy’s Crossroads. Tom also owned and operated Mamie’s Café (named after his mom) in Stoddard and also worked for many years for himself as a steamfitter with Ristow’s Process and Pipe Fitting in La Crosse. He was an avid sports enthusiast who especially loved the Packers and Brewers. Tom enjoyed boating and could be found on the Mississippi on one of his many boats he owned throughout the years. He loved being with family on the water or camping at Wildcat Campground.

Tom had a larger than life personality and voice. He loved having a good time and he loved his family. He will be missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his wife Karla, he is survived by two daughters, Jackie (Jeff Stingl) Ristow and Nicole Johnson, both of La Crosse; grandchildren; Christina (Paul) Langrehr, Haylee (John) Straub, Avery (Jacob) Straub, David Straub, Matthew Tyler, Daniel (Leah) Johnson, Nathan Johnson, Brandon Johnson and Jaxson Moen; great-grandchildren, Nolan, Aubrey and Leah Langrehr; a sister, Lynda (Bob) Gerken; two brothers, Michael (Peggy) Ristow and Richard Ristow, all of La Crosse; sisters-in-law, Sandra Asleson of Mindoro, WI, Sheila (Gerry) Solberg of Davenport, FL and Glenda (Doug) Jacobs of Plano, TX; a brother-in-law, Mathew Decker of Dallas, TX; a half-sister, Heidi Burnett; a step-daughter, Julia Barton; two step-grandchildren, Jax Gross and Emma Barton. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A visitation will be held at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services, 200 West Avenue South, La Crosse from 4:00 until 6:45 P.M. Friday, September 4 ^th followed by a private service at 7:00 P.M. The first half hour of the visitation is set aside for the elderly and compromised visitors.