Thomas James McKinstry Jr., age 79, of St. Croix Falls, WI passed away on Tuesday, October 16, 2018. He was born on September 10, 1939 in Beaver Township, Polk County, Wisconsin to Thomas James McKinstry Sr. and Helen McKinstry, he was the youngest of seven children.
He graduated from Balsam Lake High School in 1957; shortly after Tom enlisted in the Navy and served from 1957-1963. After serving in the Navy, Tom purchased the family farm and spent a few years farming. He then became a Quality Control Inspector at UFE in Stillwater and later transferred to Dresser. Tom retired from Plastic Products Company in Lindstrom as a Quality Control Manager. Later he was self-employed as an auctioneer.
On August 3rd, 1963 he married Bonnita Anderson and they had two daughters, Lisa and Lori. On October 11th, 1980 he married his second wife, Joanne Danielson, who had two children, Mike and Becky, with this union a blended family of six was created.
Tom was a storyteller who enjoyed reading with Alzheimer’s patients and at church. He loved to share his hobbies and talents with others; fixing things for them, finding a deal at a garage sale or thrift shop, or simply spending time with them over a campfire remembering the good times. He enjoyed spending time with his family; coming to family get-togethers and special events.
He was a man of strong faith. This was evident with his training as a lay minister, driving someone to the doctor, visiting friends, teaching, praying for others and sharing his years of wisdom and experience with those around him.
He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas James McKinstry Sr.; his mother, Helen McKinstry; his wife, Joanne McKinstry; and his siblings, Audrey Fredrickson (Arthur), Nancy Johnson (Stanley), and twins Donavon and Donna Lou who died in infancy.
He will be missed by his children, Lisa (Scott) Roberts of Luck, Lori (Mike) Green of Chetek, Mike Danielson of Amery, Becky (Jim) Otis of Amery; twelve grandchildren, Jessie Roberts, Jennifer Roberts, Kristina (Jamie) Sims, Kaycee (Rob) Rogers, Kyle (Chrishaun) Green, Kaydie Green, Kennedy (Dylan) Hovland, Karsen Green, Kaylyn Danielson, Alex Otis, Nick Otis and Samantha Otis; seven great-grandchildren, Lilyana, Maleah, Jaiden, Silas, Liberty, Felix and Zola; and his sisters, Dorothy Stecher of Haines, AK and Cora Lee Harr of Ellsworth; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Apple River Community Church of Amery, Wisconsin. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Family interment will be held at a later date.
You are invited to leave condolences, memories and photos at
www.rowefh.com . Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, 715-472-2444 and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown,
www.wicremationcenter.com .
