Thomas H. Minter, Sr.

LODI-Thomas H. Minter Sr., age 74, passed away at his home in the woods after a courageous battle with cancer on Friday, Oct. 9, 2015. He was born on Feb. 21, 1941, in Highland, Wis., to Herman and Della (Bomkamp) Minter. Tom attended St. Patrick's Catholic Grade School and graduated from Edgewood High School in 1959. Afterwards, he joined the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves. On Nov. 14, 1959, Tom married Bonnie Jean Gamer and they had five children. He loved motorcycles and rode for over 50 years even after having his right leg amputated. Tom got his pilot's license in his early 30's and built a biplane in his basement. Later, he built a Sonerai with his friend, Sig Leskinen. Tom was a Cub Scout leader on the east side of Madison for many years. He and his wife enjoyed traveling, especially on their Honda Gold Wing on which they took five trips to Alaska going all the way to Prudhoe Bay on one occasion. In the early 90's Tom, with the help of his two brothers, Clete and Norb, son, Tim, and other family and friends built a log home in the woods. Tom's primary job history included working at filling stations (even owning his own for a short period of time), The Wisconsin Foundry, Madison Crushing and Excavating, and Joe Daniels Construction, from which he retired at the age of 63. He then took a part-time job at Qual Line Fence. Tom is survived by his wife of 55 years, Bonnie; his five children, Tom Jr., Tim (Amy), Theresa (John) Daane, Tammy (Allen) Becker, and Todd; eleven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his brother, Clete; sister, Kay Effinger; many nieces and nephews; and his mother-in-law, Frances Gamer. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sharon Stadele; brother, Norb; two infant brothers; and a grandson, Jacob Becker. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at ST BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2450 Atwood Ave., Madison, at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015, with Father Michael Radowicz presiding. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens, Cottage Grove Road, Madison. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. The family would like to thank Dr. David Hei, Dr. Mon Yee, and all the wonderful nurses at Meriter Hospital and the Carbone Cancer Center for their great care. Great Journeys always end at the best place-Home. Online condolences may be made to www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420