Thomas Roman Katisch
Thomas R. Katisch, 84, a longtime resident of Eagle River, WI, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025.
Tom is survived by his daughter, Sara Katisch; his grandson, Cyrus Hawkins and his two children, Cairo and Roman; his granddaughter, Cheyanne Hawkins and her two children, Aubrey and Khaleesi; his brother, Ronald Katisch; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, and his beloved Golden Retrievers, Jack and Lena.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen Katisch; his parents, John and Theresa Katisch; and his brother, John Katisch.
Tom was born May 2,1941, in Milwaukee and graduated from Union Grove High School. A decorated veteran, he served in the U.S. Army, including an assignment in South Korea. He earned a B.S. degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he also served as the Student Government President. He completed his Master’s Degree in Political Science at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL.
He became a Contract Administrator for the U.S. Department of Energy (D.O.E.) in Lemont, IL in 1968, and later moved to Eagle River in 1973, with his first wife Pat Strehlow Katisch. He worked as an administrator for the former Eagle River Memorial Hospital and later for the Northwoods Guidance Center in Rhinelander.
Tom rejoined the D.O.E. in Illinois in 1976, and then returned to his property in Eagle River permanently with his second wife Ellen Lannon Katisch in 1981. For many years he was an independent workers compensation auditor. Tom was once President of the Greater Eagle River Tennis Assn. and won many tennis tournaments. He was a supporter of the Northwoods Land Trust, served on the Eagle River Library Board and also served as a Student Council Advisor at the Northland Pines High School.
A lifelong champion of civil rights, Tom was a woodsman, animal lover, and fisherman. He was loved and respected by his family and many friends, who appreciated his amiability, great sense of humor and willingness to help others. He will be missed greatly by all.
Friends and relatives are welcome to join the family for a Celebration of Life, which will be held from 2 - 5 p.m. Saturday, June 7 in the Sun Room at The Everett Resort, 1269 Everett Rd., Eagle River, WI 54521.
