Thomas Robert Hynes

Thomas Robert Hynes, 72, Rib Mountain, passed away unexpectedly from a cardiac event on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, doing what he loved, skiing at Granite Peak.

He was born May 29, 1950, in Rochester, MN, son of the late Joseph and Marjorie (Kerr) Hynes. On January 6, 1973, he married the love of his life, Bernadine Wenzel in Jackson, MN. Tom was a loving and supportive husband. Tom and Bernie enjoyed helping raise their grandchildren, spending time outdoors together, camping, biking, skiing, and gardening. Tom and Bernie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary just last month.

Tom was an active member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, always willing to assist others in developing their faith, including serving Sunday and daily mass, assisting with church grounds and maintenance, and project managing the St. Matthew Angelorium remodel. He actively maintained his faith, servitude to others, and family as top priorities.

Tom was truly a family man. He was a role model as a father and a loving grandfather to all his children and grandchildren. He could often be found playing with grandkids, teaching them how to fix something in the garage, making them a delicious breakfast, or just being there for them to read a book. He enjoyed working in his garden, always teaching and sharing his knowledge with his children and grandchildren in the amazing backyard he built. From woodworking and building things around the house, to tinkering with radios, he was a brilliant man. The outdoors was always a part of his life, from being a Boy Scout in his youth, through raising his children, and more recently he enjoyed camping with his wife Bernie, children, grandchildren, and friends.

When Tom and Bernie first moved to the Wausau area in 1981, he found his calling in the community contributing more than twelve years as a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician for the Rib Mountain Fire Department. Then in 1982 he followed his passion for serving others and began 40 years’ service for the National Ski Patrol Association.

In the winter Tom shared his love of downhill skiing with his family, friends, community, fellow ski hill employees, and Granite Peak Ski Patrol. After retirement he could be found most days enjoying a few turns with fellow patrollers, watching grandchildren ski race, or simply enjoying time with family and friends on the slopes. He was nominated and awarded the honor of National Ski Patrol Appointment Number 7888 in 1994. He then served as Patrol Director from 2003 to 2005. He would tell you his biggest joys were helping ski hill guests and training patrol candidates. His legacy will continue with the skiing community through his children and grandchildren by coaching, racing, patrolling, and hill advocacy.

Survivors include, his wife, Bernadine; four children, Joel (Elizabeth) Hynes, Wausau, Monica (Jeffrey) Stogbauer, Tomahawk, Seth (Brittney) Hynes, Verona, and Luke Hynes, Schofield; twelve grandchildren, Logan (Morgan), Gavin, Abigail, Ethan, Aiden, Alaina, Evelyn, Adelyn, Aubrey, Jackson, Sydney, and Madison; one sister, Judith Hawkenson, Bemidji, MN; two sisters-in-law, Frances (Harold) Skow, Jackson, MN and Elizabeth Rahbain, Hayward; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation and a funeral Mass will be held in his honor at St. Matthew Catholic Church, (229 South 28th Avenue Wausau, WI 54401) on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, with visitation at 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Mass immediately following. Rev. Sebastian Kolodziejczyk will preside. Burial will be in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Kronenwetter.

A Celebration of Life will be on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at 6:00 PM at the Granite Peak Historical Chalet (227200 Snowbird Avenue Wausau, WI 54401).

Please omit flowers. Memorials to the family would be appreciated.

Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.