----Source: The Thorp Courier 13 Feb 2002

Thomas H. Tobola, 90 of Cabott, WI, a businessman Author, Publisher and Historian died at Lakeside Nursing Home at Chippewa Falls, WI on Febuary 7, 2002.

Tom was born on March 30, 1911 in Thorp, WI to Joseph and Anna Tobola. He graduated from Thorp High School in 1928 and attended the University of Wisconsin as a student of the Alexander Meiklesohn Experimental Collage. In 1930 he joined his father in the auto business in Thorp until 1937, when he opened his own auto business in Auguest, WI.

In 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as an officer in the 301st Ordinance Regiment, serving for 3 years in North Africa as Company commander.

He was privileged to have been promoted Captain by General Dwight D. Eisenhower.

In April 1946 Tom perchased the Ford Dealership in Cadott, WI expanding his business from auto sales to include farm and industrial equipment until 1987 when he retired.

In 1947 he married Helen Boardman Rowan, R.N. also a native of Thorp, a widow with three children, James, Mary Jame and John.

Tom was a 60 year and charter member of the Cadott Lions Club, having served as District Governer for the Wisconsin 27E from 1954-1955. Tom was also a Lions Melvin Jones Fellow and Birch-Sturm Recipient. He was a member of the Cadott Historical Society. He was a Life time member of the American Legion and VFW, Wisconsin tribune, Cadott Chamber of Commerce and St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church shere he served as a lector. He also served as a speaker for many of the local memorial day services.

In 1974, he published the Cadott Family Stories, a research of the naming of the village: which resulted in anofficial state historical land mark, naming the site Cadott Trading Post. In 1999 he authored and published a book titled "He was proud to an American". A story of his father, an immigrant from Poland.

Tom recently was homored to become only the seventh person in history to received the Watda Gold Award by the Wisconsin Auto Dealers Association for his dedication and heroism during World War 11.

Tom is survived by his wife Helen of Cadott; son James (Jeanne) of Plymouth, WI and son John (Susan) of Bartlett,TN. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren; Kathy Koenen of LaCrosse, Kelly Landgraf of Elkhart Lake, WI, Karen Lieser of Sheboyan, WI, Kris Roubik of LaCrosse, WI, Thomas Cebulla of Austin, TX, Marie Burns of Plover, WI, Debbie Sonnentag of Oxford, MI, Paul Rowan of Stevens Point, WI, Seven Rowan of Park City, IL and 19 great grandchildren. He is also survied by a sister Mary(Tobola) Hedler of Thorp, a sister-in-law Ruth Tobola of Thorp and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parente, one daughter Mary Jane Rowan Cebulla, one sister Helen Tobola Koskinen and brothers: William(Julie) and Leo Tobola.

Tom will be sadly missed by his family, nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren who were and important part of his life.

A funeral Mass was held on Monday, February 11, 2002, 11:00 a.m. at St Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Cadott with Father Kurt Apfelbeck officiation. Burial followed the lunch at St. Hedwig's Catholic Cemetery in Thorp, WI.

Friend called at the Leiser Funeral Home in Cadott on Sunday from 4:00-8:00p.m. with a 7:30p.m. rosary

Memorials are preferred for St Rose of Lama Catholic Church of Cadott, The Cadott Lions Club or the Cadott Veteran of Foreign Wars.

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Responses

Re: Obit: Tobola, Thomas H. (1911-2002)

Contact: Juanita Cameron
I just received a book (Cadotte family stories) as a gift. I was glad to see someone interested about the Cadottes because I am a descendent.

Re: Obit: Tobola, Thomas H. (1911-2002)

Contact: Jeannette Henderson
Hello my name is Jeannette and I am also a descendent of the Cadotte family i have the family tree from Jean Baptiste Cadotte I have been trying to get a copy of the Cadotte family stories and i cant find it anywhere! My great great grandmother is Josephete Duhaime and Lea Grozelle is my great grandmother and grandmother is Annie Cadeau and grandfather is Jerrard Marchildon My mother is Marie Olive Marchildon if someone has information please contact me. Ty

Re: Obit: Tobola, Thomas H. (1911 - 2002)
Contact:  Kathy Rowan-Koenen
Tom was my Grandfather whom I miss very much. He was an inspiration to all around him. He made a significant impression on my life and our children as well. He loved life and his family. He was well read, educated, loved to socialize and had a great sense of humor. He and my Grandmother were wonderful to all their Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren.