Thomas "Tom" Joseph Downs, 73, of Wascott, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 27th, 2013, at St. Mary's Hospital, Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, MN with his family by his side.

Tom was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend to so many people. We will remember and cherish Tom's laughter, love for his family and of course his packer pancakes.

Tom was born May 27th, 1940 in Superior, WI to William and Martha (Hollis) Downs. He graduated from Superior Central High School in 1959 and served his country in the United States Navy. Tom was a born salesman, from the early days of selling Reiss Coal throughout Northern MN and WI to owning and operating his own business and finally to his profession as an insurance broker. He made great friends with local business owners throughout Northern WI.

On August 19th, 1961, Tom married Sandra Jane Ogren in Spooner, WI. They made their home in Spooner where they owned the Coast-to-Coast Hardware Store for many years. In 1989, Tom and Sandy moved to their summer home on Bond Lake in Wascott, WI. Sandy passed away suddenly on October 1st, 1991.

On December 7th, 1992 Tom married Jo-Ann (Starr) Corbin in Spooner, WI. They made their home in Wascott, WI and spent winters in Lady Lake, FL.

Tom was very passionate about golf, donating his time and efforts to the game by supporting Junior Golf, China Night at the Spooner Golf Club and a college scholarship tournament for many years. He loved to travel and see the world. He especially loved his family home on Bond Lake where he enjoyed entertaining, watching the sun set and making memories with family and friends. It was his favorite place to be.

Above all else, Dad was a man of friendship, it meant more to him than anything. If you were lucky enough to have that bond with Dad, know that you were special to him and he loved you dearly.

He is survived by a son, Terry (Melissa) Downs, Rochester,MN; daughter, Amanda Downs, Minnetonka, MN; stepson, Scott (Jenny) Corbin, Spooner, WI; six grandchildren, Carter, Sidney and Grace Downs, Maxwell Collier, Liam and Julia Corbin.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy Downs; wife, Jo-Ann Downs; and a son, Thomas Downs, Jr.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, in Calvary Lutheran Church in Minong, WI with Rev. Sara Pearson officiating. A visitation will precede the service at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Inurnment will be in Wascott Cemetery.

If friends so desire, memorials can be made to donor's choice.