Thomas J. Laqua, age 59, passed on May 13th, 2020, with his wife, Sue, by his side.
Thomas was a one of a kind, to say the least. He was energetic, outgoing and had a fun-loving, mischievous, “quirky” sense of humor. Tom, with many years of health issues, faced them head-on with dignity and pride and wasn’t going to let them dictate his life. He lived as if they didn’t exist and he was a man that everybody couldn’t help but admire and respect. He was Tom, Tom Laqua.. In passing, he ended his journey and is finally at peace. May God bless him. Tom loved his family and friends and had lots of fun and you never knew what he was going to do.
Tom was born on July 25th, 1960 to Francis “Bill” and Jeanette (Hub) Laqua in St, Paul, Minnesota. Tom attended school there until 10th grade when his family bought a farm in Siren, Wisconsin. He graduated in 1978 from Siren High School. He worked at AC Auto Body when he was 16. He enjoyed his job and took a lot of pride in his work as a body man and was a perfectionist. Tom was 25 when he had his first hip replacement which took away his ability to do the job he loved, but that didn’t stop him. He went to VoTech for 2 years to learn Quality Control, then worked at Pharmacia Deltec, (later re-named Smiths Ind.) Tom was proud of his work and enjoyed this job until the company downsized and Tom had to move on. He then went to work at Tenere, Inc. and worked until his health took a decline. Life got interesting after that but he fought a hell of a battle until his passing, but he did it with pride. Tom loved his family and friends and sure always looked for ways to have fun. Tom met his wife, Sue, on March 29th, 1986. It was her best birthday present ever and they never left each other’s side. Tom and Sue were married Sept. 15th, 1990 at St. Dominic Church in Frederic, WI. and have had 29 years of love and faith.
Tom is survived by his wife, Sue(Stage)Laqua-Mother Jeanette(Hub)Laqua-Sister Jean(Terry)Laqua-Brother Steve(Kathy)Laqua and Sister Karen(Don) Laqua Anderson. In-Laws Rick(Darlene)Stage-Kathy(Al)Linnell-Jeff(Joni)Stage-Kelly(Robin)Stage-Carolyn Stage and Mark(Deb)Rogers. Many nieces and nephews and Great nieces and nephews, his beloved dog, Josie and extended family and friends.
Preceding Tom is his Father, Bill Laqua-Father and Mother-in-law, Gordon and Pat Stage-Brother-in-law Gary Lee Stage-Great Nephew Noah Marschinke-Childhood Best Friend Mark Churchich and Furry Pets Betty, Roxanne, Norma Jean, Max and Cody Butt. Thomas, you will be so missed but will remain in our hearts forever. Rest peacefully, Honey.
The family would like to express our sincere thanks to Divine Rehab and nursing staff for caring and loving Tom in the last 3 ½ years. Also our gratitude goes out to Hospice. I know Tom cherished all your caring.
Due to restrictions, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Frederic, WI. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers to the Thomas Laqua Family. Thank you.
You are invited to leave condolences, memories and photos at
www.rowefh.com . Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home, 715-327-4475 and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown,
www.wicremationcenter.com .
