Tom Rethwisch, 76, died Monday, Jan. 3, 2022 at Baylor Scott and White Hospital in McKinney, Texas, from lung cancer and chemotherapy complications.
As per Tom’s wishes, his body was cremated and a memorial will be held at a later date.
Thomas Eugene Rethwisch, second son of Millard and Jean (Carlisle) Rethwisch, was born May 27, 1945. He graduated from Tilden High School in 1963 and attended Wayne State College before being drafted, serving two years with the Army, the last year and a half as an MP at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii.
Tom spent most of his life as a carpenter, with finishing work becoming his expertise. He toiled in Colorado, California, Nebraska, and settled in Texas his last 10+ years.
He enjoyed all sports, loved riding motorcycles with big brother Jerry, plinking on his guitar and listening to music. He sincerely enjoyed his children and grandchildren, and attending his niece and nephews' sporting events. His bib-overalls, motorcycle, and beard were trademarks. He is sorely and painfully missed.
Survivors include his son, Roark (Monica), grandchildren, Baylen, Tate, and Annabelle of Celina, Texas, daughter, Nilsa (Matt Taylor), and granddaughter, Vivian, of McKinney, Texas, ex-wife and great friend, Julie Henry, of Madison, North Carolina; brother Rich (Kathi) Rethwisch of Wayne and their children, Cali (Cody) Guffey of Omaha; Gage (Jaci) Rethwisch and son, Knox of Norfolk; and Luke (Savannah) Rethwisch of Omaha; and Jerry’s son (Tom's nephew), Rick (Mary) Rethwisch and son Logan of Lewellen.
He was preceded by grandparents Theodore (Tate) and Mame Rethwisch and Charlie and Gertie Carlisle; parents Millard and Jean Rethwisch in 2000 and 2006, and brother, Jerry Rethwisch, in 2009.
