Thomas L. Schimmel

Thomas “Tom” Schimmel, 70, passed away peacefully at home on April 29, 2026.

Tom was born on December 8, 1955, to Lester and Mary Ann (Ruf) Schimmel. He graduated from McDonell High School in 1974 and went on to serve in the National Guard, where he was honorably discharged in 1980. Tom worked at ConAgra for many years before retiring in 2019.

Tom was a 47-year member of the Tilden Lions Club and never missed a good meat raffle.

He was always up for a good time. More often than not, he had a smile on his face and a beer in his hand. If you knew him, you knew he was either cracking a joke, giving someone a hard time, or right in the middle of both. He loved to tease—and just as importantly, could take it right back. He had a way of making everyone feel like a friend, whether you’d known him for years or just met him at the bar.

Tom especially cherished time spent with his siblings, nieces and nephews, and his “Up North” friends and family. Whether working on a house or cabin project (with plenty of “supervising” mixed in) or enjoying time at his favorite bars around Tilden and Barnes, Tom was happiest surrounded by good company.

Tom also enjoyed bar league sports, time on the golf course—especially with the legendary “Dream Team”—and any opportunity to hunt or fish. If there was a cooler nearby and friends around, Tom was right where he wanted to be.

He is survived by his siblings: Ken (Bonnie), Carol (Brian) Yohnk, Dave (Patty), Don (Karen), Steve (Jill), Yvonne (Kent) Stewart, and Tim (Cyndi); along with his nieces and nephews: Bridget (Adam), Neil (Jessica), Laura (Josh), Matt, Mike (Phuong), Tessa (Tyler), Kelsey (Dan), Travis (Elesha), Kati (Brian), Jessica (Dan), Zach (Carly), Sawyer (Sydney), Hannah (Ben), Lydia, Jennifer, Kevin (Lexy), Kyle (Sam), Brittany (Andrew), Stacey (Trever), Curtis (Laura), Tyler (Mekendra), Austin (Erika), Lindsey (Chuck), Ashley, and Carter; 34 great-nieces and great-nephews; one great-great-nephew; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Mary Ann.

In true Tom fashion, there will be no formal fuss. Instead, the family invites you to celebrate his life on Saturday, May 9, from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Horizon’s Bar, Grill & Event Center, 10764 County Hwy Q, Chippewa Falls. Come casual, bring your best story, and raise a cold beer in his honor—he wouldn’t want it any other way.

Tom will be deeply missed, but his stories, laughter, and spirit will live on wherever friends and family gather, jokes are told, and beers are shared.

Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, Chippewa Falls is serving the family. Please share your memories or condolences online at pedersonvolker.com