Thomas R. Bourassa, 87, of Oconto, passed away at home on Dec. 18, 2018. He was born to the late Edmund and Celia (Belongia) Bourassa on Oct. 1, 1931, in Oconto. He graduated from Oconto High School in 1949. After school, Tom served in Japan during the Korean War until returning home to work on his family farm. He married the love of his life, Viola (Mortier) Bourassa, on Oct. 4, 1958, at St. Anthony’s Church in Oconto Falls. Tom loved sports and the outdoors. He enjoyed making wood and spending time with his family and friends. He was a collector of Oconto memorabilia and antiques as well as collecting rocks. Tom was the owner of Bourassa Construction, a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Lena Lions Club, the American Legion, and a member of Holy Trinity Church in Oconto serving for 17-plus years in Jail Care Ministry.
He is survived by his loving wife, Viola; four children, James (Violet) Bourassa, Jerry (Darlene) Bourassa, Paul (Sue) Bourassa and Theresa (Pat) Blazer; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, one sister Barb (Jerry) Van Hulle and one brother Byron (Judy) Bourassa.
He is preceded in death by one son Joey, brothers Clifford, Francis, Robert, William and sisters Bette, Jean and Marilyn.
The family greeted relatives and friends at the Rhodes Charapata Funeral Home in Oconto on Thursday, Dec. 20, from 3:30-7 p.m. The Prayer Service was at 7 p.m. with Kathy Schroeder officiating. The visitation continued at Rhodes Charapata Funeral Home on Friday, Dec. 21, from 8-10 a.m. The Closing Prayers were at 10 a.m. with Father Joel Sember officiating before going to Holy Trinity Church for Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. The burial will be at Oconto Catholic Cemetery with Military Rites. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been set up for the Holy Trinity Church, St. Anthony School and the Lena Lions Club.