Thomas Peter Viner

Tom Viner, 72 of La Crosse passed away February 25, 2024, in his home surrounded by his daughters, with diamonds on the water. Tom was born on November 8, 1951, to Harry and Wilma (Schoenfeld) Viner. Tom graduated from Central High School in 1970 where his love for football and mischief defined him. Following high school, he proudly served in the United States Marines as a Corporal in the 1st Marine Airwing stationed in Japan, forging lifelong bonds of friendship. Upon his return, he dedicated himself to Harry Viner, Inc., where his strong work ethic and integrity earned him respect throughout the industry. Tom was so proud of all the work they completed throughout the area and loved to share the history and changes they made to help shape the streets of the La Crosse area. However, it was Tom's generosity that truly left a lasting mark and he is well known for his tradition of gifting blocks of Muenster cheese and crackers during the holidays.

With his wife Kathy Mulrine, they built a life filled with love and laughter on French Island, raising their three daughters, Kristen, Stephanie, and Barb. Tom was a party planner and loved bringing people together for a good time. In 1990, Tom and Kathy built their forever home on the water where they enjoyed colorful sunsets and hosted Kristen’s wedding and three separate 35th wedding anniversary parties (keeping track of the years after that many was tough). His parties were epic- neighborhood block parties, volleyball tournaments, and some with fireworks.

Summers were spent on the water at “Viner Island”, attending the girls’ numerous sporting events, even volunteering to be President of the River City Waterski Team to spend more time with his girls. Tom's zest for life extended beyond his home with hobbies such as throwing horseshoes, fishing, hunting, and restoring and going to car shows with his ’67 Nova and beloved ‘66 GTO.

Retirement brought new adventures, including winters in Cape Coral, FL, where Tom planned legendary ‘La Crosse days’ gatherings. Tom was an avid Badger football fan and enjoyed collecting antique bottles and local beer memorabilia. Tom loved life and was always quick with a joke (usually inappropriate) and always ready to lend a helping hand. Tom adored his six grandchildren and loved attending their sporting events and having them over for campfires, cookouts including making his famous ‘Tom-elets’ and ‘Tom Viner Dip’ and playing cards or dominos which he always seemed to win. It was a standing joke that Tom carried a golden horseshoe because he won a Chevy Silveraldo in a 1986 raffle.

After Kathy passed away in 2010, Tom leaned on a local grieving group where he formed many friendships including the second love of his life, Doria Norskog. Despite facing the loss of two wives, Tom's resilience and humor never wavered. He often joked about his luck in finding two remarkable women who tolerated his antics.

Tom faced many challenges in life and always remained positive. True to his character, Tom was smiling and cracking jokes up until his final days. Tom's legacy lives on through his daughters Kristen (Matt) Megill, Stephanie (Scott) Napiecek, and Barb (Zach) Viner-Fronk, as well as his grandchildren Mason Viner, Mackenzie, and Abigail Megill, and Emily, Taylor, and Jackson who will fondly remember his laughter, generosity, and unwavering spirit.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Wilma Viner, in-laws Tom and Marlene Mulrine, wives Kathy (married 37 years) and Doria (married 3 years), brother Tim Viner, and sister Sue Matthews.

Thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Mayo Oncology, Mayo Hospice, and Quality Comfort Care. Memorials can be made to Aquinas Catholic Schools.

In honoring Tom's memory, let us celebrate a life lived to the fullest. The wake will be March 7, 2024, at Schumacher-Kish in La Crosse from 3-6pm with a prayer and military honors at 5pm. A celebration of life will be March 8, 2024, at Celebrations on the River from 4-8pm.

Semper Fi.