Thomas Follstad, of Elcho, died Monday, July 17, 2017 at Tomahawk Heath Services under the care of Aspirus Hospice. He was 79 years old. He was born on September 16, 1937 in Elcho, a son of the late Wadel and Odile (Teeters) Follstad. He married Joyce Wachal Fesing of New Holstein, the couple later divorced.

Tom was a graduate of Elcho High School, class of 1956. He served in the United States Navy from 1956 to 1960.

He was employed at Tecumseh Products Company in New Holstein for 40 years. Following his retirement he returned to Elcho.

Tom was a member of the Noetzelman-Boodry American Legion Post 377, Elcho.

He was an avid reader. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, making sauerkraut and baking for others. He loved spending time with his friends and family. He will especially be remembered for his contagious laugh.

Survivors include a son, William (Freddie) Follstad of Tomahawk; three daughters, Pamela (Michael) Konen of Kiel, Jodi (James) Schumacher of Brothertown and Jill (Brian) Westermeyer of Howards Grove; eight grandchildren, Sherri Follstad, Samantha (Wesley) Sandman, Jenny (fiancée Marshall) Konen, Jean (Jesse) Heller, Colton Boeckman, Blake Boeckman, Amanda (fiancée Ryan) Wilkens and Amber Wilkens; six step-grandchildren, Jordan Schumacher, Jessica Morrison, Ryan Hawkins, Jenna, Adam and Hunter Westermeyer; two great-grandchildren, Madison and Greyson;

two sisters, Jean Porten of Eagle River and Judy (Mike) Black of Deerbrook; a brother, George (Julie) Follstad of Tampa, FL;

special friend, Pat Summers of Elcho; Pat’s children, Stephen (special friend Pam Jansen) Grota of Elcho and Dana (Keith) Palubicki of Elcho; and grandchildren, Grace Palubicki, AJ and Megan Jansen. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Kay (Richard) Sands; a brother, James Follstad; brother-in-law, Chuck Porten; and niece, Michelle Koss.

A memorial Mass will be held on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, Elcho with Rev. Dave Zimmerman officiating. Burial will take place in Elcho Cemetery where Elcho veterans will conduct military honors. Visitation will be Thursday at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass.