Thomas Eddy

Sibley, Iowa 

Thomas (Tom) Ralph Eddy, age 77 of La Crosse, passed away at home on March 3rd, 2025 after a devastating cancer diagnosis. Tom was born on March 30, 1947, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Ralph and Ardyce Ann Eddy. His formative years were spent on the family farm in Sibley, Iowa, but he always considered himself a “city” kid.

Tom graduated from the University of Northern Iowa, where he was an offensive guard on the football team. He often reminded his family he still had a year of eligibility remaining. Upon graduation, he began a career as a teacher in Sibley and other Iowa school districts as well as a coach, leading football, basketball, and even launching a high school gymnastics team. He then attended Iowa State University where he earned a second degree in Speech Communications & Broadcast Journalism. He worked as a news correspondent and evening anchor across Iowa and Wisconsin markets, which eventually brought him to WKBT in La Crosse.

In La Crosse, Tom embraced entrepreneurship with La Crosse Property Management, while wholeheartedly dedicating himself to being a hands-on dad to his daughter, Abby. From early morning workouts to cheering on her Logan High School sports, he was always by her side. Later, he found joy as a substitute teacher in the La Crosse School District, cherishing the notes and drawings students provided as precious keepsakes.

Tom was passionate about the Green Bay Packers, Iowa Hawkeyes, and Brett Favre. He cherished discussing sports and golfing with his daughter, Abby. A creative writer at heart who devoured books, he also adored Elvis and couldn’t resist a dance floor. Ever the memory keeper, he always had a camera ready to capture life's special and everyday moments.

Tom had a gentle heart and strong opinions, which he shared openly. Once he made a decision, he went all in – whether that was getting his private pilot’s license or doing the 400-mile RAGBRAI bike ride without training. When he was diagnosed with head and neck cancer in late 2023, he faced it with the same unwavering resolve. Choosing to forgo traditional treatment, Tom placed his trust in his deep faith to guide him through the journey ahead.

Tom leaves behind a loving family, including his devoted wife of 36 years, Jane. His memory will be cherished by his daughters, Abby, Catie (David) O’Keefe, Megan (Brian) Holmes, and his sons, Eric Eddy, Joe (Angela) Van Aelstyn, and Mike (Carolyne) Van Aelstyn. Tom was a proud Bumpa to nine grandchildren: Kelsey, Molly, and Emily O’Keefe; Sophie, Varek, Ava, and Jillian Van Aelstyn; and Jack and Marissa Holmes.

He is also survived by his brothers, Bill (Jo) Eddy, Doug (Jo) Eddy, Pat (Julie) Eddy, and Steve (Gloria) Eddy, in-laws Cathy Conlon, Kathy Liekweg, Paula (Wyatt) Davis, and Rich (Stacey) Liekweg along with many nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Ralph and Ardyce Ann Eddy, niece Lesley Eddy, nephew Tyler Eddy, parents-in-law Catherine Liekweg Scott, William Liekweg, and Ned Scott, and brothers-in-law Bill and Steve Liekweg and Mike Conlon.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Andrew’s Catholic Church in Sibley, Iowa on Saturday, April 5th at 10am with a Visitation preceding at the church at 9am. Burial will follow at Saint Andrew’s Cemetery in Sibley.

A memorial Mass celebrating Tom’s life will be held at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in La Crosse, WI on Monday, April 7th at 12pm.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in Tom’s name.

Tom’s family would like to extend our deep appreciation to the Gundersen Health hospice team for their compassionate care and support in Tom’s final days at home.