Tomm R. Lehnigk

1941-2019

On Sept.24, 2019, we sadly said goodbye to Tomm R. Lehnigk. With family by his side, he passed away from a short but intense battle with cancer. A celebration of life was held at Tally’s Tap and Eatery, S31W24661 W. Sunset Dr., Waukesha, WI 53189 on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019 at 5 p.m. Tomm was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and extraordinary musician. He was born on June 4, 1941 in Oshkosh to the late Ralph Lehnigk and Mildred (Cavanaugh) Lehnigk. He was the second eldest son of four boys, Jack (Robin), Gene (Gayle) and Glenn Lehnigk. The family later moved to Pewaukee. Tomm graduated from Waukesha South High in 1959. He started singing with the band, the Sultans, playing in Oshkosh and Fond du Lac areas. He then joined the Air Force in 1961 and was stationed in Turkey. After four years in service he rejoined the band with a new name, the Tumbleweeds, and played the Jolly Fisherman, Nick’s Nickabob, White Oaks and many other clubs. In the early 1970s he started his successful solo career playing at Pap’s Saddle and Sirloin/ Chappies, the Lakeaire, El Dorado, Blue Heron, Gasthaus, the Mandarin and 23 years at Tally’s Tap, formally Tallinger’s Restaurant, in Waukesha and numerous establishments. He loved playing 50s, 60s and Contemporary Rock covering artists such as the Everly Brothers, Elvis Presley, Neil Diamond, Roy Orbison, Marty Robbins, Johnny Cash, Creedence Clearwater Revival and many more.

In 1967, while playing at the White Oaks, he met the love of his life, Joyce Hoffman Braun.

Tomm is survived by his wife Joyce of 51 years; his children, Tomm Jr. Lehnigk, Joy (Clayton) Feight of Waukesha, Duane (Betty) Braun, Daniel Braun, Gary Braun and Shelly (Fred) Rohweder of Medford. He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Angie Braun, Ashley Braun, Jeremy (Kia) Braun, Erin Rohweder (Christopher), Amy Rohweder, Elijah Blair and Casey Braun; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Tomm was preceded in death by his parents; daughter- in-law, Jeri Braun; and granddaughter, Meagan Braun.

The family would like to thank the staff at Waukesha Memorial ProHealth Care Hospice Fairhaven Society and Schramka Cremation Services.

Paid Obituary 79906