Wisconsin Outdoor Communicators Assn.

Lifetime WOCA member Tom Muench passed away; Services are April 14 in Tomah

Eugene “Tom” Muench, age 84, passed away Thursday, April 8, 2021 at his home. Originally from Antigo, he lived most of his life in Tomah.

Tom’s WOCA history

According to Tim Eisele, Tom participated in WOCA’s first informational meeting in 1976.  At the time, he was a regional reporter for Wisconsin Sportsman magazine.   Tim recalls he fished with Tom the day after that meeting with local guide Lamont Roth on North Twin Lake.  They didn’t catch anything, but were treated to the story of Roth's experience catching five walleyes totaling 55 pounds during November of a previous year. 

“After fishing, Lamont drove us into Eagle River, and we saw the stringer of five mounted walleyes in Adomaitis' Barber Shop.  I've gone back and still see that stringer hanging in the barber shop.”

Tom was elected to the WOCA Board of Directors in 1978.  He also chaired the Awards Committee and served as treasurer for many years. He was honored with a lifetime membership in 1999.

“A good person, dedicated to natural resources, and a duck hunter, he was a regular attendee of the annual conferences. He worked at the Veteran's Hospital in Tomah. I know Tom had very special concerns for vets with disabilities,” Tim noted.

From Tom’s Obituary
Tom worked as a social worker at the Tomah VA for 55 years. He holds the record for being the longest employed federal employee in the entire U.S. He loved and enjoyed his job and cared for his patients deeply. He only retired last year at the age of 84! Prior to being a social worker, his very first job was as a young child picking potatoes, of which he was so proud! He also was a newspaper boy and worked on the railroad. He was enlisted in the Air Force and served from 1954 to1962.

Tom not only cared for his patients, but his community as well. He served on the WI Conservation Congress Committee for the DNR for over 30 years. He was involved in the Tomah Lions Club, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, American Legion, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, WI Bear Hunters Association, and WI Outdoor Communications Association. He has won numerous awards for his dedication and volunteering.

Anyone who was blessed to have known Tom knows that he had a deep love for his family and his love was returned tenfold. The Green Bay Packers also ranked up there! He fished, ice fished, and hunted bear, deer, duck, and turkey. He assisted with the elk start-up in Wisconsin and was an NRA supporter. Many know and refer to Tom as the “Rambler,” as he was forever “rambling” from one place to the next, keeping busy with his involvement in clubs and hunting and fishing escapades. Of course, he always had a good story to tell after one of his ramblings and even wrote a weekly article for the Tomah Journal called “Ramblings Afield.”

His true love for life and nature was present and experienced in each article. He also wrote articles for WI Outdoors Magazine. As befits the revered man, Tom will leave you with the following, which may sound familiar, “Now, as you get out and enjoy the new days, strive always to leave things better than you found them as the wild country will be better off for your having passed through.”

He is survived by his “beautiful bride” Betty “BJ” Muench, son Kip Muench, son Rick (Mary) Muench, daughter Tammy (Karl) Parpart, Holly Mueller, Heather Farlow; grandchildren Tyler (Rachel) Muench, Taylor (Anthony) Muench, Jacob Muench, Max Muench, Heidi (Corey) Wolfe, Divonte “DJ” Kolinski, Kalecia (Ethan) Kolinski, Makayla Kolinski, Anthony Farlow, Jr; great grandchildren Ayden, Jayce, Amora, Noelle, Talian, Autumn, brothers, Chuck (Anne) Muench, Gary "Mike" (Gail) Muench, Pat (Jan) Muench, Denny (Shari) Muench; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, a stepson, and uncles and aunts.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Torkelson Funeral Home in Tomah. Pastor Bob Streeter will officiate. Family and friends are invited for visitation from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial with full military honors will be held on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at the Buffalo City Cemetery in Buffalo County, WI. The Torkelson Funeral Home of Tomah is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be offered at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.