Tom Sawyer
Thomas A. Sawyer, age 84, of Friendship, Wisconsin died Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield, Wisconsin.
Memorial services will be 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adams, Wisconsin. Rev. John Krebs will officiate. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Tom was born on August 21, 1935 in Eau Claire to Raymond and Marcella Sawyer. He attended school in Stratford, WI, graduating in 1953. He then attended barber school and started barbering in Adams in 1955. He had to temporarily leave his employment to serve in the US Army from February 1958 to January 1960. Tom married Claudette Strand on April 26, 1958. Claudette joined him in Germany where he was stationed in the US Army. They raised four wonderful boys. Tom then returned to barbering in Adams after his discharge from the service until 1973. He then started employment with the City of Adams, retiring in 1997. He then worked part time for the Village of Friendship until 2015.
Tom was very active in the community doing volunteer work, especially with youth programs. He was President of the Roche A Cri Little League before he left that position to be a little league coach, which he did for many years. Tom spent hours and hours organizing what needed to be done for a new little league park. He received many awards for all of his volunteer work. Tom was considered a fixture at Immanuel Lutheran Church. He was an excellent usher and served many years on the Trustee Committee. His wife gave him the title of Mr. Socializer and Mr. Congeniality. He so enjoyed being with people. His laugh was so contagious, and his love for his family was undeniable. He had a bond like no other with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Tom will be dearly missed by his family and so many friends. Tom enjoyed fishing and working outside in his flower gardens and playing cards with his family.
Tom is survived by his wife of 61 years, Claudette Sawyer; sons, Alan (Chris) Sawyer, Coy (Mary) Sawyer, Lance (Amy) Sawyer, Jay (Misty) Sawyer; 17 grandchildren, Scott Sawyer, Brett (Becky) Sawyer, Jacob Sawyer, Talitha (Nate) Groshek, Josiah (Rebekah) Sawyer, Moriah (Ethan) Keller, Sara Sawyer, Ashlee (Scott) Cammack, Chad Sawyer, Chantz Sawyer, Olivia Deprey, Haley Deprey, Matthew Sawyer, Courtney Sawyer, Jaryn Sawyer, Jerrica Pierce, Jaina Pierce; 9 great grandchildren, Peyton, Landon & Piper Groshek, Brielle & Tenley Cammack, Declan Kolstad, Aidyn & Alaina Schneider, Goku Sawyer; brother, Raymond (Rose) Sawyer; sister-in-law, Dorothy Sawyer; sister-in-law, Sharon Boersma. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond & Marcella Sawyer; brother, Robert Sawyer, sister-in-law, Wanda Strand; brother-in-law, Ronald Boersma.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
Jay and family-
Tom was a great guy and I will miss our conversations. He and I ushered together frequently and everytime I came home and went to church he always made a point to come over and shake my hand. My sincere sympathies for your great loss.
To the Sawyer Family, sorry for your loss. The AF community lost a very good person.
So Sorry to hear about Tom. My thoughts and Prayers are with you all.
We were so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I have nothing but great memories of Tom and Claudette and the boys from summer trips up to Adams-Friendship. Tom was always smiling and was always so funny and kind. He had the greatest stories. I’m sure Heaven is rejoicing that he’s home now. Prayers for comfort for the entire family.
To Claudette and her ‘4 Lads’ and families, I want you to know how sorry I am for your loss, but this is one that I can say is a loss for us all. I can honestly say I can’t remember ever seeing Tom without a smile on his face and it was one that was infectious. I saw him a couple of months ago and we talked and caught up on family. I so wanted to be at the church today but I am unable to. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Hugs to you and the “boys”. To ‘shorts’ I wish I could be there to give you the hug in person. You have always been my big brother and I really miss seeing you around, but as they say life gets in the way. Love you!
Love to all who knew Tom.Berlie loved working with him years ago.Those memories live forever. Maybe having a cup of coffee and telling stories in heaven,I would like to think so anyway.
Claudette and Family,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. I have endless memories of Tom from childhood into adulthood. He was a fixture to the Moran family for many many years, (pretty much a honorary member). My parents loved him so much they made him my brother’s Godfather.
One of my favorite memories of Tom (and there are many) was when he and Claudette moved to Pierce St. right down the road from my house. Gosh he was so fun and always up to something. Their home/yard always felt welcoming to all the neighborhood kids.
And his laugh I can still hear his laugh. As life does the years go by fast I’d see Tom here and there in passing, a little less while he was fighting his battle with cancer. But every time I seen him it was a reunion that would last a bit of time. He always asked me about my parents, kids, and what I was up to. And he did it in a way that made me feel like at that moment nothing else mattered but to him but what I was saying. I got to speak and visit with Tom and Claudette last month and just as always it felt like I was a priority when indeed I was there to make him and Claudette feel like one. He hugged me goodbye and said I love you and boy I really felt it. I will forever and always hold on to all of my memories and take them with me to hold on to until I’m lucky enough to meet him again in heaven. Much love to you all and wrap yourselves in all of the memories that you have with him to get you through the days and months ahead.
My sincerest condolences to your family and friends.
Sorry for your loss.
Claudette so sorry for your loss. Prayers go out to all the family
Claudette and family, sorry for your loss. Tom’s smile will never be forgotten. Find comfort in your memories. Prayers for you all. Judy and Dennis
So sorry for your loss Al. My condolences to your entire family. Keep the faith that God will bring the family through this rough time. Keep your mom close and give her a hug for me.
Very sorry for your family’s loss Coy, and to your mother, who will miss her dear husband. Hold your family close and cherish those precious memories.
Dear Claudette & Family. We’re very sorry to hear of the passing of Tom Sawyer, he was a great man. I’ll never forget first meeting him around 85,he would come in to read the water meter with pencil & note pad,always looked forward to him coming in, he was a great ambassador for the city,good conversation,plenty of good advice, & made me feel welcome.(and his name really was Tom Sawyer) He was one of those great guys that made AF a great place to be. Prayers go out to his family.
Claudette, Coy and families – I’m sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Keep those memories close –
My condolences to your family. Every time I seen him it was always moose how you doing.
It was always a joy to meet Tom out on the street. He was always happy and it made my day. My sympathy to you all
Sorry for the family’s loss. Tom was a super guy , enjoyed little league with him ! He will be sadly miss !
Coy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad will be truly missed. Always a smile and a great guy
Our sincere condolences to the Sawyer family. Tom was a great man. Always a smile and kindness.
So sorry for your families loss……..one of the best men, to ever help guide, the young people, of this small community……I will miss this man.
Deepest sympathy to Claudette and all the Sawyer family.
Claudette and family our prayers are with you. I always smile when I think of Tom and will continue to do so! So many wonderful memories we all have of Tom.
He was an icon to Adams-Friendship area, always a smile, great Little League coach, many memories.So sorry for your loss.
On behalf of the Ervin and Loretta Fischer family, I would like to express our deepest sympathy to your family.
Claudette &Family – Prayers are with you. I always enjoyed the talks Tom and I had. Always so positive and a smile for all.
Jay and Claudette so very so for you loss thoughts prayers and hugs, thinking of you always.
Claudette and family I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
So sorry for your loss. Such a nice man.
My condolences and prayers to the Sawyer family. I remember Tom as a friendly, honest and kind man who always had a smile.
Claudette & 4 Lads our world has gotten a little dimmer with the passing of Tom. But heaven has gotten a new sparkling starlight! We’ve only have to close our eyes to recall his infectious laugh. Such a good example for people to follow. He fought a brave battle that ended here on earth but his reward now is heaven with our heavenly Father. RIP dear Tom.
Condolences from the Sylvester Rock family in Stratford to Tom’s family. My dad had lots of good stories about the Sawyer boys. God bless.
So many fond childhood memories of Tom and Claudette… both so dear and exceptional. Condolences to Alan – I’m really thinking of you right now – and also Coy, Claudette, and the Sawyer family. He will be missed.
Claudette and family, so sorry for your loss. Tom was a one of a kind friend, he always had a smile and a story to tell. Hold onto your memories as he will always be in your heart. Everytime we saw Tom , no matter where we were he would yell out “love ya man”. Same goes to you Tom Rip.
My condolences to the Sawyer family. Tom was a great man. I have many wonderful memories of him growing up in A-F that I will always cherish.
Tom was such a wonderful man, many great memories growing up with the Sawyers. Sending our Prayers
Claudette and family, I sure enjoyed knowing Tom over the years!! He was always so cheerful! Bless his resting soul.
Claudette and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I’ve always missed working with him, every time I see a plow truck I’ll think of him.
Claudette, Courtney, Jay, and family – So sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. He was an amazing man with a great heart. He always had a smile and a story. I loved having him as a neighbor. My prayers are with you guys.
Isolina and Mike Jackson and family
Our sincere sympathy for your loss. Tom was a special person with a smile for everyone he met.
Tom and Claudette welcomed me into their home for meals and conversation when I was new in town many years ago. Still have fond memories and sorry to the family for your loss.
Claudette and family
So sorry for your loss. He always had a smile on his face and always a joy to talk to. Lots and lots of memories. He will never be forgotten. Take care!
Our condolences to Claudette, the 4 Lads and their families. I remember Tom talking me into joining the Roche a Cri Little League baseball program as manager of the Tigers in 1973. That career lasted 43 years after signing that 1st contract at Sawyers Barber Shop. RIP my friend.
Tom and I were in the Army together and we had a special friendship. He was a very good person and friend even though we didn’t communicate very often. Our prayers are with Claudette and the family during this very sad time.
So sorry. Tom was special. He will be greatly missed by all.
Claudette & family: My heartfelt sympathy to all of you. He will be missed by all who knew him but he is at peace now after his long battle. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
So very sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May you find peace and comfort knowing that he is in the arms of GOD. 💙
Claudette and family, I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. May the Lord wrap his arms around you and give you the peace at this time. I know what you are going through at this time, having lost my husband one year ago in October. Put your faith in God, and you will get through this.
Great man always nice to talk with. never negative.
So very sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss!! He was a wonderful man!! My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family!!
Condolences to the entire family! May the many good memories help over time to ease the pain!
So sorry to hear, thought and prayers to all of you.
So very sad to hear this news, such a great guy! My thoughts are with all of you.
So very sad to hear this news, such a great guy! My thoughts are with all of you.
Tom was a good man and will be missed.
Such a great man. So sorry for your loss. We miss and love you Tom.
Love and prayers friends and family of Tom, All too many hearts breaking lately the consolation is that our loved ones are in the loving care of God and pain free.
Condolences to the Sawyer family. Tom was a wonderful man and he will be missed.
My condolences to you
Lot’s of great memories of Mr. Sawyer growing up from Little League, haircuts, sporting events and sleep overs with his boys. This community lost a great man. Rest easy.
So sorry that Tom passed away. He was a wonderful friend. We will miss him so much. Claudette if theres anything i can do let me know. So many memories of Tom and cleon. May you be comforted Tom will not be forgotten.
Claudette I am so sorry for your and your families lost. He was a great man and his memories and legacy lives on through his 4 lads.
Great man!! RIP Tom
Deepest Sympathy to your family… Karen and Don
Our sincere condolences to Tom’s family and many friends. Truly a great man who will be missed by all.
Great man. So sorry on your family loss. May God family and friends comfort you during this difficult time
Our condolences to the family. He always had a smile.
So very heartbreaking for you all. Hugs..such a nice man , always
A friend to all he met.
Ross & I are sending a our prayers and thoughts to Tom’s family. So very sorry for your liss6.
So very sorry for the family’s loss