Florence – Thomas J. Witynski, 82, Florence, Wisc. passed away on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at the Oscar G. Johnson Veterans Hospital, Iron Mountain, Mich.

He was born on September 4, 1934 in Florence, son of the late William and Gertrude (Kenney) Witynski.

Tom grew up in Florence and graduated from Florence High School class of 1952. He served in the US Army from July 14, 1954 until his honorable discharge on May 22, 1956. Tom married Sandra Gehlhoff on October 2, 1965 in Florence. He along with his wife and family owned and operated Witynski Hardware from 1948 until the store closed in 2011.

Tom was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Florence and the Florence Volunteer Fire Department for 31 years and served as its Fire Chief for 15 years. He enjoyed spending time at his camp with family and friends, the Green Bay Packers, and especially the many good times he had with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years Sandy. Two sons Joe (Lisa) Witynski, Florence, Bill (Kim Sternhagen) Witynski, Florence; two daughters Christine (Shawn Beaster) Witynski, Florence and Cathey (Brent) Larson, Florence; three sisters, Nora (Richard) Meyers, Florence, Mary Jo Bomberg, Florence and Rita Pontbriand, Victorian Pines, Iron Mountain, Mich.; eleven grandchildren Andrew, Dorianne, Jimmer, Connor, Riley, Braiden, Mariah, Evan B., Cassie, Jakob and Evan W.; three great-grandchildren Macimae, Owen and McKinley and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents Tom was preceded in death by one brother John Witynski and one sister Clare Landry.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 27, 2016 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home, Florence. The Florence volunteer fire department will stand honor guard. Prayers will be recited Wednesday, 9:30am at the funeral home. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, 10:00am at St. Mary Catholic Church, Florence. Rev. Fr. Matt Settle will officiate. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Commonwealth, Wisc. The VFW post #3635 will accord military honors at graveside

A memorial will be established in Tom’s memory.

You may light a candle in remembrance of Tom or leave a condolence for his family online at www.JacobsFuneralHomes.com.

The family has chosen the Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home, Florence, to honor Tom’s legacy of life.