Thomas M. Schymanski

Thomas M. and Katherine E. Schymanski

Thomas M. Schymanski, 87, and Katherine E. (Hackbarth) Schymanski, 83, originally of Wausau, Wisconsin, have been peacefully reunited. Katherine passed away on November 16, 2022, and Thomas followed her into eternal rest on April 8, 2026.

Thomas was born on December 5, 1938, to Michael and Veronica (Burclaff) Schymanski. He graduated from Wausau High School in 1956. Katherine was born on August 8, 1939, to Leo and Eleanor (Schubring) Hackbarth. She graduated from Wausau High School in 1957. Though both grew up in Wausau, they later crossed paths while working together, married, and shared 62 years of marriage.

Throughout their lives, Thomas and Katherine were active volunteers in the churches they attended. They both loved to travel and cherished time spent with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Thomas spent his career in the housing and construction industry. He was an avid gardener and took great joy in creating floral arrangements. After their children were grown, Katherine pursued a career in the banking industry, working for several financial institutions throughout the Midwest. She also loved playing bridge and enjoyed the friendships and fellowship it brought.

The couple retired to Arizona, where they lived until relocating to Colorado in 2021 to be closer to family.

They are survived by their daughter, Michele Schymanski Stockman (Brian) of Parker, Colorado; son, Mark Schymanski (Madeline) of Evergreen, Colorado; sister, Sandra Rader of Wausau, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Amanda Houser (Chris), Jared Schymanski, Cole Schymanski, Andy Stockman (Erin), and Adam Stockman (Meghan); and great-granddaughters, Ida Stockman and Lila Houser, many nieces and nephews.

They were preceded in death by their parents, Leo and Eleanor Hackbarth and Michael and Veronica Schymanski; Katherine’s sister, Elizabeth Hackbarth; and Thomas’s siblings, Betty Heitmann, Grace Schymanski, Charles Schymanski, and Michael Schymanski, Sisters-in-law Evelyn Schymanksi, Jean Schymanski, and brothers-in-law Don Heitmann and Myron Rader.

A graveside celebration of life will be held at Mechanic Ridge Cemetery, Town of Wausau, Nutterville, Wisconsin on Saturday, August 15, at 11:00 a.m. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com