Thomas James Mathys, age 67, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, January 31, 2025.
Tom was born and raised in Hudson, WI, the youngest of three boys to Ed and Betty Lou Mathys. He grew up with his brothers Karl and Ernie, and to say they were a handful would be an understatement. Their reputation for mischief was widespread—so much so that no one in Hudson would babysit for them. While the stories of their adventures (and occasional troublemaking) may never be fully told, those who knew them best would agree: life was never boring in the Mathys household.
He graduated from Hudson High School in 1976 and continued his education at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical Institute in Rice Lake, WI, earning a degree in auto body repair in 1977. In 1982, he married the love of his life, Lori Pechacek, in Hudson, WI, and together they built a beautiful life in Somerset, WI, raising their three children, Kelly, Michael, and Brian.
Tom dedicated over 40 years to the auto body industry at the Ford Dealership in Hudson, WI, working his way up from painter to Body Shop Manager, earning deep respect within the community. He later transitioned to Freeman Expo before taking an early retirement in 2020. Retirement gave him the time to focus on the things he loved— making memories with his grandchildren, perfecting recipes on the grill or in the smoker, and spending time outdoors. One of his last major accomplishments was restoring his 1977 CJ5 Jeep, originally owned by his brother Ernie who bought it new, and seeing it through to a first-place prize at the 2023 Hank’s Bar Car Show in Somerset. During the early 1990’s while working at Dave Holt Ford, Tom met and got to know several players from the Kansas City Chiefs, including Joe Montana, and had been an avid Chief’s fan ever since.
When at home, most of his time was spent out in his garage, and Tom loved when family and friends stopped by. Ever the host with the most, the first thing he would say was, “Hey, you want something to drink? You want a beer? You want a pop? What would you like??” Known to friends as “Mr. Entertainment,” he had a gift for making people laugh, a knack for storytelling, and the ability to pull off legendary pranks with a straight face. His magic tricks were saved for special occasions, and he never revealed his secrets.
Tom was an avid outdoorsman—hunting, fishing, and camping were some of his greatest joys. In his younger years, he raced snowmobiles, winning many trophies along the way. He spent summers flying airplanes with the “Fly Boys” in River Falls and New Richmond and later took up four-wheeling, enjoying many adventures with Lori through Wisconsin. No matter the season, he loved being outside, whether it was feeding and watching wildlife, checking if the fish were biting, or tending to his yard—which he kept meticulous, just like everything else in his life. He was a true craftsman, whether painting show cars, constructing his intricate landscape design, or fixing anything that needed repair, always with a method and a reason behind everything he did and left everything in better condition than when he received it. Some of our favorite family memories were made on camping trips, especially at our favorite Glen Hills Campground, and on our big trip to the Wisconsin Dells in 2002.
His family was his greatest pride. Nothing made him happier than being surrounded by his kids and grandkids, spoiling them with treats, taking them for Jeep and four-wheeler rides, and teaching them all the best (and sometimes inappropriate) life lessons. He was Lori’s biggest supporter, keeping her salon running smoothly behind the scenes for over 20 years, often serving as the underpaid handyman and designated parade float driver.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Lori Mathys; daughter Kelly (Steve) Bowen and grandchildren Henry, Wally, and Rosie; son Michael Mathys; son Brian (Laura) Mathys and grandsons Tommy and Zach; Uncle David Moelter; brothers Karl (Marie) Mathys and Edward “Ernie” Mathys; and many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Christian Edward “Ed” Mathys and Elizabeth Louise “Betty Lou” Mathys; sister-in-law Sandy Mathys; father-in-law Lawrence William “Bill” Pechacek; mother-in-law Henrietta Pechacek; nephew Raymond Pechacek; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Tom’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and loyalty. He lived by his own wise sayings, the most famous being: “I’m a legend in my own mind,” “I’ve got money I haven’t even made yet,” and “There are only two things I can’t fix: the crack of dawn and a broken heart.”
While we are heartbroken, we take comfort knowing he’s reunited with loved ones in Heaven, probably telling stories, pulling pranks, and watching over us all. He never liked to say goodbye—just “see ya later.”
Please join us in celebrating Tom’s life on Super Bowl Sunday wearing Chief’s gear, red, or flannel in his honor. The Celebration of Life started with a viewing from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm followed by a service at 2:00 pm on Sunday, February 9th at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services (728 S Knowles Ave) in New Richmond, WI. Afterward, we invite you to Ready Randy’s for refreshments and an open mic to share stories, laughter, and memories – exactly as Tom would want it. We’ll also turn the game on and cheer for the Chiefs!
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the family to help honor Tom’s legacy through a future donation or memorial in his name.
Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
10 Comments
Tom was such a wonderful person. He was such a good friend to us. He will be deeply missed.
We will miss Tom. You couldn’t find a nicer guy! Don’t worry Tom, we w will be looking after Lori for you! Go rest high buddy, we love you ❤️
We loved you Tom, we’ll watch over Lori! I bet the fishing is great in heaven 💕
My friend. Thank you for taking me to Friendly for breakfast multiple times. After meeting my husband after one of our outings laughing and visiting with him for over an hour,you said: “Next time I am picking up your husband instead. ” jim and I laughed so hard. You and Lori were suppose to come over this summer for a grill date. I will make sure your bride is taken care of and will share my memories of you. Carpe Diem. Until we meet again. I love you Tom, with all of my heart
Kelly and Steve, we are so very sorry for your loss. It’s always hard to lose a parent, especially when he was so young and it was so unexpected. There are alot of good people up there in Heaven; it sounds like he will fit in just fine. Our prayers for you and your kids. He will be watching over you, you know.
I’ll always remember Memorial Day weekend camping trips. Singing Afroman by the campfire and you putting up with all the shenanigans of us kids, year after year. Although, I think the other adults lumped you in with the kids some days. Rest in peace, Tom. You will be missed.
Tom was a very Unique and Special Man!!! No one like him!! We absolutely loved him!!! His sense of humor was top notch and his sarcasm was my favorite!! He also loved very deeply! And had a Big heart!! He will be greatly missed!! We are praying for you all and will always be here for you!!
Karl and family
Our condolences.
May the brother story telling help you in the coming days.
Zane and Deb
I was always glad to see Tommy show up at the flying field with a beautiful plane that he had built. He was an avid builder and flyer of radio controlled airplanes and his enthusiasm was contagious. He will be missed terribly by anyone who knew him. Laura and I are verry sorry to hear of his passing. Our condolences to Lori and the family.
Rest in Peace my Friend!!
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