On August 17, 1950, Thomas William joined his parents Reuben and Marie (Gaga) and his sister Donna and became part of the Brieske family.  He was born in LaCrosse, Wisconsin where he grew up enjoying his go carts, hunting and fishing with his dad, and water skiing amongst many other activities.
Tom joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Puerto Rico where he met his wife Carmen, the mother of his precious sons, Ryan Andrew and Bronson Thomas.  Life brought him back stateside where his best friend, Jeff Schirm, advised him to work alongside him on the railroad.  He worked for BNSF for forty years and was planning to retire in July of 2010.
Through the winds of change, Tom's life took him down different paths and one led him away from his family.  He later met and married Peggy Harris with whom he started a new family and was blessed with a third precious son, Tyler William.
Ryan (Stephanie) and Bronson made him a proud grandfather and he so loved his granddaughters, Jadyn and Jenna and his grandson, Ronan.  Tom had family who were his friends and friends who were his family.  He was always 'Unc' to his nephews Todd, Jason and Christopher, Donna and Rick's boys.  His nephews made sure this legacy continued by adding Logan, Jenna, Jordan, Kennedy, Mercede, Joshua, Justice and Madison to the fold.
Tom's younger brother, David and his wife, Judi, blessed him with his niece, McKenna, and his nephew, Adam.  His dear friends, Jeff and Deanna Schirm, Dave and Judy Lafond, Steve Lindauer, Don Polzin (Zinger), Matt, Kevin, Mandy and his friends at River's Edge brought joy to his life.
As the years went by, changes continued to lead Tom through different paths, but there was something that remained constant.  This was his love for Carmen, Ryan, Bronson and Tyler.  After becoming a widower, he turned to Carmen to build a home filled with love, and they were once again joined in marriage on June 3, 2010.
Tom found happiness and became a new man.  He could not help but look back and smile, for he knew he was blessed, and that God had showered him with riches that filled his heart.  God looked down upon this precious gift He shared with us all and decided it was time for him to come home. Tom died suddenly on June 30, 2010.
Thomas William Brieske, beloved son, husband, father, brother, uncle and friend is resting in peace in the Kingdom of Heaven. He will be loved and missed and our hearts will always cry for him. He might be gone, but he will never be forgotten.
A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 5, 2010 at Dickinson Family Funeral Home, 401 Main Street, Onalaska.  A private service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday for family and close friends at LaCrosse Christian Church, 535 South 16th Street.  Following the service, a Celebration of Tom's life with military honors provided by American Legion Post 417 will be held at American Legion Post 336, 731 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska at 2 p.m.
The Dickinson Family Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.dickinsonfuneralhomes.com