Obituary for Thomas A. "Tom" Buisman

He was born January 18, 1958, in La Crosse, to Donald and Delores (Plenge) Buisman. Tom grew up in West Salem and attended West Salem schools where he loved sports and excelled at football and wrestling. He met his high school sweetheart, Renee Reedich, and they were married on February 14, 1987, at Christ Ev. Lutheran Church in West Salem. In 1995 they welcomed their son, Jay.

After graduation Tom enlisted in the United States Navy. He graduated from basic training in Florida and was then stationed at the Great Lakes Academy until being honorably discharged.

Tom was employed as a laborer for various construction companies in the area through the Labor Union Local 140.

He played softball and pool for many years with friends. Tom loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and riding his bike. Tom and Renee enjoyed traveling to Mexico and Belize where they spent time at the beach. They especially enjoyed attending all of Jay’s sporting events.

Tom was a member of the West Salem Volunteer Fire Department for many years and was instrumental in supporting and working for the Ag Society at the La Crosse Interstate Fair. He also cooked for the Pork Producers Association as well as working at many wrestling fundraisers.

True to his giving nature, Tom gave the gift of life by being a donor; he will live on in the hearts and minds of the recipients and their families of whom he never met.

Survivors include his son, Jay; mother, Delores; siblings, Ron (Tamla) Buisman, Tim (Lisa) Buisman, and Barb (Eric) Knutson; mother-in-law, Barbara Reedich; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald and his wife, Renee.

A celebration of life will be held December 2, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., at the West Salem American Legion Post 51. Military honors will be rendered at 3:00 p.m. by the American Legion Post 51 and the United States Navy Funeral Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to West Salem Legion Baseball, Friends of West Salem/Bangor Wrestling, or the National M.S. Society.

"God is our refuge and strength; an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

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