Thomas Raymond LaBarge

1949-2024

Thomas Raymond La Barge, 74, of Holcombe, died Saturday, March 9, 2024 at Mayo Clinic in Eau Claire surrounded by his loving family. A celebration of life will be held at Ted’s Timber Lodge and Resort at 1 p.m., Sunday, March 24, 2024. Tom often expressed that the passing of a loved one is a time to honor the Lord and the deceased’s journey to a more joyful place. There is no environment he’d rather we discuss and celebrate his earthly presence.

Tom was born March 12, 1949, in Marshfield to Raymond J. LaBarge and Delores (Rogstad) LaBarge. He graduated from a one-room Taft Grade School in 1963, Loyal High School in 1967, and from the University of Wisconsin Whitewater with his Master’s in Accountancy in 1972.

He married Diane Smart in 1969 and worked at the Jamesway Foundry in Fort Atkinson throughout his college career. Upon graduation, he worked at Wipfli, Ulrich, & Co., a public accounting firm in Wausau until 1975. He then joined Tombstone Corporation as their Chief Financial Officer; Tom sat on their board of directors and held the position of Director of Finance until he left in 1988. He then went on to own and operate Enerquip Inc. in Medford as its President.

He sold Enerquip in 1991 to pursue his dream of traveling the world while hunting, fishing, and golfing. His adventures took him on three African safaris, Alaska, Mexico, Siberia, New Zealand, China, Russia, throughout Europe, and an Arctic polar bear hunt. He cherished spending time with all walks of life; from taking his children across the United States during their high school years to attempting to understand the way of life deep in the Guyana rainforest.

In a word, Tom was curious, and his inquisitiveness, humility, and keen intellect drove all his pursuits. His passion and quirkiness shined through his stunning smile daily. He took great pride in his community in Holcombe, and served it well with his wealth of knowledge and storytelling skills. He loved so deeply for his family, friends, and co-workers. He adored the outdoors, politics, Jack Daniels, and finding the solution!

Whatever he did, he was all in! He is survived by his two daughters, Tina LaBarge and Shelby (Jason) Billeb; his six grandchildren, Hanna (Jake) Wicks, Caleb Dietzman, Ashton Billeb, Max Dietzman, Ren Billeb, and Lawton Billeb; one greatgrandchild, Rukh; eight brothers and sisters, Gerald, Tim, Dave, Bruce, Jackie, Patti, Kathy and Lisa; and best friend, Bonnie Wilder.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Diane La-Barge in 2019; his mother, Delores LaBarge in 2016; his sister, Peggy Dahlby in 1997; and his father, Raymond LaBarge in 1995.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.

Paid Obituary 149707