Thomas B. Austin

Thomas B. Austin, Sr., age 49, of Lac du Flambeau, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on November 26, 2023, after a 19-month battle with cancer. Thomas “Tommy” Austin was born on March 19, 1974 in Chicago, the son of Roland and Charlotte (nee Austin) La Barge, but spent most of his life in Lac du Flambeau. Tommy worked several different jobs over the years, but his most cherished memories were from his time at the Kwik Trip in Minocqua. He was a people person and loved to joke around with all his customers. There was rarely a day in his life that he wasn’t laughing and teasing his friends and family. 

Tommy loved his family immensely, especially his son Thomas and his stepsons Dylan and Devan. With his son he shared a love of music, professional wrestling, and all things Green Bay Packers; and he never missed a basketball or football game when the other boys were in sports. With his wife Jen, he shared a love of “wandering.” Together they traveled to many places, from the Olympic Peninsula of Washington, all the way down to the Florida Keys. He loved his wife dearly, but he did have a mistress ... the Lanes. 

Tommy was an avid bowler from a young age and when he wasn’t parenting or working, he was at the bowling alley fine tuning his game. Participating in several leagues, he eventually accomplished a perfect 300 score, and enjoyed traveling for tournaments. 

He had room in his heart for so many people. He spent countless hours with nieces and nephews, and for nearly 20 years he coached the youth baseball team in Lac du Flambeau, forming bonds with many of the kids that would last forever. 

Tommy was also a proud grandfather of three beautiful grandchildren, traveling to Missouri to visit them as often as he could. He was a kind, gentle, and fun-loving man, who left his mark on the hearts of an entire community. 

He is preceded in death by his parents Roland Sr. and Charlotte La Barge and sisters Kimberly and Kristy. He is survived by his wife Jennifer; his son Thomas (Michaella); his stepsons Dylan and Devan; his sisters Lisa and Cheryl; his brothers Timothy (Toni), Tony (Maria), Douglas, Roland Jr. (Katlynn), and Jason (Mandy); and three grandchildren. Thomas is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. 

Visitation will begin at 4 p.m. on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at the Multi-Purpose Building in Lac du Flambeau. A memorial service will also be held there at 11 a.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023.

Bolger Cremation & Funeral Services is assisting the family, visit www.bolgerfuneral.com to share condolences.