Thomas D. Stanke

Thomas Daniel Stanke, 68, of Wausau, WI, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 10, 2023 at the Arden Courts Memory Care Facility after his battle to overcome a stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury. Tom was born on August 28, 1954, to William and Elizabeth (Solecki) Stanke, in Phillips, Wisconsin. 

Tom loved fishing and deer hunting, as well as collecting glass insulators, antiques, and coins. He was a lifelong collector of glass insulators and enjoyed seeing the sun shine through the beautiful colored glass. He was interested in classic cars and attended the Iola Car Show annually, a pastime he enjoyed with his family. Tom was a beloved father and grandfather, and spent many hours playing with, reading to, and teaching his granddaughters. 

Tom earned degrees in automotive and accounting from the North Central Technical College and worked as an accountant for Central Wisconsin Paper. He also enjoyed summers working on a sod farm in Phillips throughout high school, and working on his friend's ginseng farm in later years. He was an active member of Kiwanis and Wausau area sports leagues for many years. 

He is survived by his children, Heather (Samuel) Altobar of Bloomingdale, IL, and Heidi Stanke of Moab, Utah; grandchildren, Elisha, Evangeline and Liliana; his siblings, William (Patricia) Stanke of Phillips, WI, David (Donna) Stanke of Medford, WI, Gloria Stanke of Hawkins, WI, and Catherine Stanke of Cold Spring, NY; and friend Amber Costanza of Winfield, Illinois. 

Tom is preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Terry Stanke.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at St. John Lutheran Church, 120 Forest Ave, Phillips, WI 54555, with Pastor Dean Arbs officiating. A visitation will begin one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Emery Cemetery, Phillips, WI. Heindl-Nimsgern Funeral Home is assisting the family.