Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Thomas M. Hren
Winchester, Wisconsin
Thomas M. Hren, age 83, of Winchester, passed away Sunday, February 20, 2011, at home. He was born December 6, 1927, in Winchester to the late Martin and Edna (Omness) Hren. Tom was a Winneconne High School graduate. He served his country in the National Guard and then served in Korea with the U.S. Marine Corps. On December 18, 1961, he married Shirley Sternhagen. For over 30 years Tom worked for Kimberly-Clark, retiring in 1986, and after retirement he continued working for Bergstrom Corporation. Tom had an adventurous spirit all through his life and he was not afraid to try new things. In his younger days it was racing snowmobiles and motorcycles. His biggest passion was flying, a hobby that included building aircraft, earning his glider pilot license, and being a member of the EAA. He enjoyed photography, traveling, and breakfast with the regulars at Frank and Darlene's Café in Winchester. Tom was a lifelong learner who was always reading and watching the news keeping up on current events, and he had a passion for debating politics. In his later years, Tom took great interest in the Winchester Area Historical Society.
Tom is survived by his four children, Larry (Kay) Hren, of Neenah; Marty Hren (special friend, Amy Niesen), of Kaukauna; Sue Witthuhn, of Appleton; John (Kathy) Hren, of Appleton; eight grandchildren, Parker and Carly Hren, Laramie and Allie Hren, Gerri and Sam Witthuhn, Noah and Elizabeth Hren; two sisters, Josephine Bleick, Mary (Bill) Snipes; nephew, Mark Bleick; niece, Sandy (Wayne) Campbell; sister-in-law, Donna Sternhagen; and his good friend, Harry Flood.
Along with his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his wife Shirley on October 30, 2008; one sister, Bernice Monisera; and a nephew, Peter Bleick.
Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 25, 2011, at 12:00 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home, Winneconne. Inurnment with military honors will follow at the Grace Lutheran Cemetery in Winchester. A Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.
Mueller Funeral Home
904 E. Main St.
Winneconne, WI 54986
(920) 582-4242
Please submit online condolences to
www.muellerfuneralhomeinc.com
Alden Ferguson wrote on February 24, 2011
It was with a great deal of sadness in finding that Tom has left us. I consider him a good friend. He was always happy to say hello and happy to talk flying. Upon landing at his strip one time, I ran into some trees and broke a wing tip strobe light. He was right there with his usual sage advise; "It's best if you stay away from the trees". All of us that knew Tom in EAA Ultralight Chapter 41 will remember him as a straight flying guy and will miss him.
Jim Bork wrote on February 23, 2011
Tom will be missed. After all these years, I still think back to all the little nuggets of wisdom that he shared with me as I was growing up. I remember rising early and riding with him and John in his red Datson pick-up to the EAA Fly-In and listening to his philosophy on a variety of matters. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time of loss. Celebrate his life. - Jim, April & Bethany Bork
Pat Campbell wrote on February 23, 2011
Tom was a great man and we are sad to hear of his passing. Although most of us Campbell's are Chicago Bears fans, it makes us happy to know that Tom can cherish another Packer Super Bowl. Now Tom can debate the Packers(and politics) with Vince Lombardi. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. - Pat, Cari, Tyler, Brianna and Jacob Campbell