Thomas J. Rodgers - Tomah, Wis.

Thomas J. Rodgers, 56, of Tomah, Wis., formerly of Winona and Zumbrota, died unexpectedly Saturday, May 12, 2012, at his residence in Tomah.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, May 17, at 1 p.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Zumbrota, with Father Joseph LaPlante and Father Robert G. Meyer officiating. Inurnment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday one hour prior to the Mass at the church.

Thomas John Rodgers was born July 19, 1955, in Albert Lea, to John and Jane (nee LaPlante) Rodgers. His family lived in the Albert Lea area until moving to Zumbrota in 1965. On Oct. 31, 1974 he entered the U.S. Navy, served during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged on Nov. 11, 1978. He returned to Zumbrota and worked as a milk hauler. After working for several farmers, Thomas started running a dairy farm operation near Winona. In 1989 he married Gail Stotesbery in Elgin, and they ran the farm for many years.

Thomas enjoyed farming, fishing, collecting coins, woodworking and was active in 4-H with his girls, especially showing cattle and horses.

Thomas is survived by his daughters, Breann (Andrew) Chaves of Mankato and Brittany Rodgers of Winona; mother, Jane Rodgers of Zumbrota; sisters, Janet (Al) Grossbach of Mazeppa, Cindy (Butch) Priem of Rochester and Susan (Bruce) Finnesgard of Zumbrota; brothers, Bill (Coni) Rodgers of Cleveland, Minn., Dan (Joann) Rodgers of Zumbrota and Randy (Valerie) Rodgers of Rochester; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and former wife, Gail Rodgers of Winona.

Thomas was preceded in death by his father, John "Jack" Rodgers and nephew, Timothy Rodgers.

Arrangements are with the Mahn Family Funeral Home – Larson Chapel in Zumbrota. www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com