Tom met Jesus, his Savior, on Sept. 19, 2023. Born on Aug. 4, 1938, to Glenn and Vi Caflisch in Baraboo, Wis., Tom graduated from Baraboo High School in 1956 and served in the U.S. Navy from 1957-1961. He married Judith Schaefer on Aug. 6, 1960. Tom graduated from Wisconsin State University - River Falls (now UWRF) in 1965.
Tom was a member of many civic organizations, including Habitat for Humanity, River Falls City Council, St. Croix County Board, Pierce County Board and the American Legion Post 121. After retirement, Tom delighted in being a volunteer coach for the UWRF football team for 21 years. His hobby, in retirement, was making wooden cremation urns, many of which were rosemaled by his friend, Audrey Iverson. Tom was a faithful member of Ezekiel Lutheran Church for 56 years and Luther Memorial Church for the past two years.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Vi Caflisch, and sister, Mary Adams. Tom is survived by his wife of 63 years, Judie Caflisch; daughters, Jill (Pete) McCarthy, Jodie (Mike VanderZanden) Henning; and son, Andy (Shannon) Caflisch. He is also survived by grandchildren, Chad (Courtney) Henning, Sam Henning, Josh Henning, Jaime (Nate) Kleppe, Jordan Lammer, Jenna (Jake) Knotek, Trevor Caflisch, Natalie Caflisch; great-grandson, Cohen Kleppe, bonus grandchildren, Sarah Feuchtenberger, Alex McCarthy; bonus great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Norah and Isla Feuchtenberger; plus, many other family and friends.
A private Christian/Military service will be held on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, at Greenwood Cemetery. Those wishing to honor Tom are invited to join the family at the American Legion Hall, 701 N. Main St., River Falls, WI between 5-8 p.m. for Tom’s requested celebration of life, meal and entertainment. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Legion Post 121 Scholarship Fund or Luther Memorial Church Families in Need Fund. Thank you and God Bless you!
