Tom R. Bonadurer

Thomas “Tom” R. Bonadurer, 62, of La Crosse, passed away on May 26, 2020 at Gundersen Health System. Tom was born on May 7, 1958 in La Crosse to William and Mary (Roberts) Bonadurer.

Tom married the love of his life, Sally (Goschke), on October 22, 1988 in La Crosse. He would be the first one to say that it was “love at first sight” and that she “gave him butterflies.” His love for Sally never went unnoticed.

Tom was a man who lived each and every day of his life to the fullest. Everyone who knew him was touched in some way by his kindness and generosity. Tom was always the first person to lend a hand, and never quit until the job was done. His easy smile and infectious laugh could lighten up any situation, as could his many welcomed and impromptu firework displays where numerous evenings of revelry were capped.

Tom enjoyed many pursuits over the course of his life, but none more important than the care and support of his family. He cherished his wife, Sally, and daughter, Amy in every way a human being ever could. The little things were the big things and he made sure they both felt that every day. There is no question that he is watching over them now.

Tom’s loss is one that is difficult to express in words because the impact of his life was so great. Tom had helped light up the sky as a member of the La Crosse Skyrockers since he was 12 years old, and was always there to support them in their community endeavors. He was a restauranteur, and owned Bonachelli’s, the home of some of the greatest pizza in town. He ended his career at the La Crosse Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department, where he enjoyed being outside in nature every day.

Tom is survived by Sally, his wife of 31 years; his daughter, Amy (Alex Wilbanks) Bonadurer; his siblings, Pat (Kitty) Bonadurer, Paul Bonadurer, Bob (Vicki) Bonadurer, Janet (Tom) Bonadurer-Olson, and Dan Bonadurer; brother-in-law, Pat Cavadini; his many loving nieces and nephews and countless wonderful friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Ellen (Bonadurer) Cavadini; in-laws, Robert and Margaret Goschke.

Due to COVID, on Monday, June 1, a private family service will be held at 3 p.m. with a drive-by visitation to follow from 4--7 p.m. at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home. People are asked to stay in their vehicles during the drive-through. A Celebration of Life will come at a later date.