Thomas E. Minard, 76, of Tony, Wisconsin passed away unexpectedly at his home on the morning of Sunday, March 8, 2026. Tom was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on May 19, 1949 to Roy & Betty Minard.

He met the love of his life, Diana van Doorn, at a bowling alley in Minneapolis as she was asked to be a substitute bowler. (Their Luck Day) They married on August 27, 1976 in Minneapolis.

Tom was drafted into the Army and stationed in Germany. After being discharged, he worked at Hiawatha Rubber in Minneapolis and Jeld-Wen in Hawkins. After Angela & Mitch were born, (their children), he and Diana moved to Tony to raise their children and live in the country.

Tom loved his beagles and rabbit hunting along with waterfowl and deer hunting. He and Diana became avid turkey hunters in the springtime.

Tom loved volunteering his time too. He volunteered for 4-H and umpired for his children. He was willing to help whenever he was needed.

He loved his kids Angela and Mitch, and everything they did in life. He adored spending time with his grandchildren, and happily passed along as much wisdom as he could in his life to them.

Tom was fortunate enough to enjoy over a decade of retirement with Diana and his grandkids. For that, they are grateful. For now, his work is done. He can rest easy, we hope, knowing he showed up every day for a lot of people.

Tom is survived by his wife of 49 years Diana, daughter Angela and son Mitch (Christine) and 2 grandsons, Angela's sons: Sean Minard and Carter Beckley and a granddaughter, Mitch's daughter: Lucy Minard his sister Dorothy (Jim) Ross of Cross Lake Minnesota and their son Mike and his brother Robert (Bev) Minard of Sherwood, Arkansas and his daughter Melissa. He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Elizabeth Minard and his brother Terry.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at the Nash-Jackan Funeral Home in Ladysmith with Deacon Craig Voldberg officiating. A Memorial Visitation will take place from 9:30 A.M. until the start of the service. Military honors will follow the service at the funeral home and will be provided by the Rusk County Honor Guard. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the Tony Community Center.

A complete obituary will also be published in the Ladysmith News.