Thomas Lotter

Thomas A. Lotter, age 76, of Weston, passed away on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

A Mass of Christian burial was held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Milan. Father George Graham presided. Interment followed at the church cemetery with military honors provided by the Athens VFW Post #8527 and American Legion Post #4. Family and friends were welcome from 4 until 7 p.m. on Monday, March 4, and from 9 a.m. until time of the service Tuesday, all at the church. The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements.

Tom was born on January 24, 1948, the son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Weiler) Lotter in the township of Bern, Marathon County. He attended St. Anthony’s Catholic Grade School and graduated from Athens High School. Tom served in the U.S. Army from 1968-1970 in Vietnam and was awarded three Purple Hearts and the Army Commendation Medal. On June 12, 1971, he was united in marriage to Ruth Rouse in Platteville.

Tom was a skilled carpenter and had his own carpentry business, Lotter Building Service, in Milan. He built 39 homes, including one each for his daughter and son. Tom was a member of St. Thomas where he served on the parish council and was an usher. He was a member of the VFW, DAV Rib River Chapter 31, and the VVA North Central Chapter 479.

Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing sheepshead. He was constantly helping his neighbors and friends. Tom was especially proud of his children and grandchildren.

Tom is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ruth; three children: Jeffery (Trudy) Lotter of Weston, Jennifer (Cory) Pagel of Ringle and Victoria (Ken) Rutschow of Spencer; four grandchildren: Madison and Brianna Pagel of Ringle and Abigail and Braxton Rutschow of Spencer. He is further survived by a sister, Kathleen “Kutz” Murkowski of Wausau and a brother, John Lotter of Athens; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Andrew Jr., Victor and Joseph; a sister, Betty Collins, and a son-in-law, Russell Sliwicki.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling. com.

Paid obituary 149074