Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services Offering dignified services since 1919

Back to Obituaries

Thomas J Hegna

Thomas J Hegna

Tom died peacefully at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire, Wisconsin on January 6, 2010 with his family by his side, after a courageous fight against bladder cancer. Tom was blessed with 80 years filled with love and adventure.

Tom was born on October 4, 1929 to Ruby and Roy Hegna and grew up in Rice Lake, Wisconsin with two brothers who made up the Tom, Dick and Harry trio. Tom graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1947. He served in the Korean War from 1951-1952, earning two Medals of Honor.

In 1953, he met the love of his life Mary Julson and they married on Christmas Day in 1955 and spent their 54 years together in Menomonie, Wisconsin.

Tom and Mary were blessed with four daughters who made them very proud.

Tom was employed for 34 years by the Department of Transportation, Division of Motor Vehicles and spent many of those years in the area as a supervisor before retiring in 1989.

Tom loved to golf, bowl, snowmobile, camp, have coffee with friends and visit the casino. Tom and Mary took numerous trips throughout the United States.

Tom’s greatest joy, however, was his family: wife, Mary, children, Terry (Dave), Kathy (Paul), Wendy (Jeff) and Laury (David), five grandchildren, Megan, Nicklas, Emma, Josie and Hannah. Tom’s brothers and their families, as well as Mary’s brothers and their families, were a big part of his life.

Tom was larger than life, known for his compassion and generosity. His big smile will be greatly missed.