Obituary for Henry “Tommy” Ignasiak

Henry Thomas “Tommy” Bernard Ignasiak, the most handsome and unique man that ever lived, went to be with the Lord in the early morning of Thursday, July 29, 2021. He was holding the hand of his beloved niece, Kelly, when he left this world peacefully. Tommy was born on April 23, 1943 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Henry and Lorette (Kablau) Ignasiak. He attended vocational school in Milwaukee where he excelled with numbers. Tommy also proudly worked with his father in their trucking business. He loved music, especially a good Polish polka, and loved to dance at family get-togethers at Veteran’s Park in Milwaukee. In the early 1970’s, Tommy moved to Onalaska where he lived for many years with Mike and Mabel Olson, who were like second parents to him. In the 1990’s, Tommy moved with his brother and nieces to the North side of La Crosse, where he was a true legend. He could be seen riding his bike everywhere, and his favorite hang-outs included: Fish’s bar, Hardees, Margie’s, Ardies, Kwik Trip, and the Salvation Army, where he was always ready to help out his friends and lend a hand with whatever needed to be done. His passion for music continued with his favorite local band, Simon Sezz, where his good friend Jim Fredrickson was the drummer. Tommy loved to go out with his family and tear up the dance floor with his favorite dance partner, Pam Garcia. Tommy was also an avid collector, including: pop tops, pens, Coca Cola, Smurf, Mickey Mouse, and Paw Patrol items, among many others. He also had unwavering faith and loved to attend church services, listen to Christian music, and watch his programs on t.v. Tommy spent the last few years of his life living happily with his niece Kelly, her husband Tim, and their cherished doggies. Survivors include: sister Carol (Russ) TeRonde, brother Peter (Mary) Ignasiak, sister Sue (Jeff) Haase, sister in law Carol (Donald) Burkhardt, nephews Clarence (Renae) Pierce, Jeff (Bridget) La Violette, nieces Sarah (Damian) Meza, Kelly (Tim) Servais, Amy (Dan) Simonson, and his adored great nieces and nephews Gavin Nedland, Carly Servais, and Alana and David Simonson. Tommy also had many other important people in his life, who although they weren’t related by blood, were also his family, including: his nephews and nieces Jimmy Miller, Billy (Santhie) Miller, Sean (Erica) Weaver, Rebecca (Kevin) Kofta, Noah and Mollie Fredrickson, and his sister and brother in laws: Cathy (Larry) Tillman, Mary (Don) Hennessy, and Margaret & Jim Fredrickson. Tommy was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Lorette, as well as his sister Barbara “Lolly” Ignasiak and his brother John Ignasiak. There will never be another person to walk this earth like Tommy. He was truly one of a kind, and we will cherish the memories and moments we’ve had with him. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 on Friday, August 6 at Jandt-Fredrickson Funeral Home, 4239 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse. A visitation will be from 12:00 until the time of the service. Tommy was a beloved brother, uncle, and friend.