Thomas H. “Tom” Armstrong

Thomas H. “Tom” Armstrong Sr. went to his heavenly home on Monday, Dec. 25, 2023. He was 93 years old.

Tom was born on Nov. 16, 1930, in Darlington, Wis., to parents Harry and Anna Grace (nee Flood) Armstrong.

He grew up on a family farm and attended Darlington School District. After high school graduation, Tom went to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville until he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a surgical technician at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War.

Upon returning home, Tom attended UW-Madison, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in science.

Tom met the love of his life, Donna Townsend, swimming in Lake Mendota. They were united in marriage on Aug. 24, 1957, at St. Raphael’s Cathedral in Madison, Wis.

Tom and Donna moved to Cherry Hill, N.J., for 10 years. Tom worked for Smith, Klein and French as a pharmaceutical rep. in Philadelphia, Penn. They decided to relocate back to Wisconsin, where they raised five children. Later, they opened their home to another child.

In Wisconsin, Tom was the vice president of the trust department at Security First National Bank, where he retired more than 30 years ago.

Tom loved being on his hobby farm, where he raised Jersey, Angus and Hereford cows. He enjoyed beekeeping and selling his honey. He also restored oil paintings and furniture and loved working with wood. Tom published three anatomical books on horses, cats and dogs. He enjoyed celebrating St. Patrick’s Day and singing with a beautiful tenor voice. Above all, he loved spending time with his family.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Donna, and children Robin (Paul) Mueller, Teresa (John) O’Dell, Thomas (Gina) Armstrong, Daniel Armstrong, Mark Armstrong and Troy Armstrong.

He is further survived by grandchildren Loraine (Lucas), Megan, Amy (AJ), Terra (partner Jorge), Haley (Arturo), Joshua (Melissa), Hannah, Allison (fiance Tanner), Grace, Logan (Melissa), Kylie, Leah and McKenna. Tom is also survived by great-grandchildren Peter, Rayden, Gabby, Evelyn, Analise, Felix, Parker, Mason, Taylen and Hudson, his sister Anna Grace Tuescher and many other relatives and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by parents, brother and sister-in-law Larry and Charlotte Armstrong and brother-in-law Rodney Tuescher.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, at Divine Savior Catholic Parish, Holy Cross Chapel, 5330 County Rd. B, Belgium, Wis. 53004. The family will greet visitors at the church from 11 a.m. until the service at 1 p.m. Father Don Thimm will preside.

Tom will be laid to rest at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery, Adell, Wis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Sharon S. Richardson Hospice and the Honor Flight are appreciated.

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.