Tom Wenstad, 85, passed away on Nov. 24, 2023. He was born on March 8, 1938, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was raised on the family farm in the village of Star Prairie, Wisconsin, and attended Star Prairie State Grade School for eight years. He was confirmed on April 6, 1953, at the EUB church in New Richmond, Wisconsin, and graduated from New Richmond High School in 1956 where he played football, earning three varsity letters. Tom never married, but had two significant and loving companions that he shared his life with. On March 8, 2012, he said goodbye to Kay Klescewski having shared 40 devoted years together. He then met and shared the rest of his life with Jan Eggen, Star Prairie, enjoying 10 years as best friends and confidants.
When Tom was 20, he joined the U.S. Army Corps Reserve Unit and traveled to Kentucky for basic training. Upon his return, he fulfilled his year of duty and began work in the construction field before starting his career at Friday Canning Corporation. Over his 36 years there, he earned many certificates of appreciation and recognition. A devoted field supervisor, he was a loyal employee who worked hard every single day. Tom also attended courses in Eau Claire to earn a certificate allowing him to be a sheriff’s deputy for St. Croix County, working under Sheriff Charlie Grant for several years in addition to his work at Friday Corporation.
Tom enjoyed nature and the outdoors as one of his favorite pastimes. He was an avid deer hunter and fisherman, spending many seasons at his cabin in Moose Junction and later Tabor Lake, Wisconsin. He continued to live and run the family farm in Star Prairie, raising beef cattle, buying/selling wood, and growing corn, soybeans, pumpkins and squash.
He was a charter member of the Star Prairie Lions Club and will be remembered for his generosity to the community in the form of monetary support, fall outdoor displays and anonymous gifts. He was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church, New Richmond.
Tom is survived by his loving life companion, Jan Eggen, Star Prairie; sister, Janet (Wayne) Knutson-Frederickson, Star Prairie; nieces, Judy (Scott) Leichssenring, Emmaus, Pennsylvania, Jane (Dan) Hansen, New Richmond, and Rachael Marrier, Woodbury, Minnesota; grand-nieces and -nephews, Matthew (Joanna) Hansen, Falls Church, Virginia, Margaret (Peter) Westmoreland, Star Prairie, Derek Marrier, St. Paul, and Chloe Marrier, Eagan, Minnesota. Additional surviving family members include Edward (Darla) Klescewski, Robert (Annie) Klescewski, Barbara (Tom) Hemauer, and David (Jody) Klescewski.
He was preceded in death by his father, Hilbert Wenstad; mother, Mabel Gabrielson; and life companion, Kay Klescewski.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, at 4 p.m. at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services, 728 S Knowles Ave., New Richmond. Visitation will also be on Monday, Dec. 4, from 1-4 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery in Star Prairie. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
