Thomas Mcalpine

Thomas Russell McAlpine (Tom) of Grantsburg, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on August 22nd, his 77th birthday, after a courageous battle with ALS disease. Tom is preceded in death by his mother, Katherine Louise (Heinz) Jerikovsky; his biological father, Russell Martin McAlpine; and his step father, Nicholas James Jerikovsky. He is survived by his wife, Ilene, of Grantsburg, WI; brother, Patrick McAlpine (Judy) of Palisades, MN; and brother, James Jerikovsky of South Saint Paul, MN. He is also survived by his daughter, Jeanne (Jeff) Butler and grandson, Jeffrey, of South Saint Paul, MN; son, Thomas McAlpine Jr. and grandchildren, Amanda, Michelle, and Thomas of Woodbury, MN; daughter, Nicole (Marc) Carrigan and grandchildren, Brady and William of Rosemount, MN; stepson, Jeremy Kozumplik (Jody Schutts) of Menomonie, WI; and granddaughter, Onnalee (Earl) Wayne and great-granddaughter, Peyton, of Wilson, WI; along with lots of extended family. Tom was a passionate bowhunter, golfer, fisherman, dog lover, cribbage player, and outdoorsman who many knew, loved, and looked up to. He always knew how to have fun for the sake of having fun. There was never a dull moment if Tom was around. From practical jokes, to songs on the banjo, to rides in the car to look for deer, or a trip to the casino; he was always active, engaged, and up to something action packed. Tom graduated high school from South Saint Paul in 1959, and still maintained many friendships with the guys from his class, and from South Saint Paul in general. He was one of the founding fathers of “the land”, where many people learned to hunt, and truly embrace outdoor sportsmanship. He worked for Traveler’s Insurance for almost 25 years, and enjoyed an early retirement at his lake home near Grantsburg, WI. He was able to live life to the fullest by completely embracing his hobbies, and even recently taking his dream trip to Alaska on a cruise ship with his wife, Ilene. For many years, he enjoyed time with family on his lake home in Wisconsin. The grandchildren all grew up coming to Little Wood Lake for every summer holiday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Family will remember the familiar sound and image of the “green machine” driving up the hill from the lake, the dogs following behind, and Tom’s famous “heeeheeehoooo!” Tom led a great life in Grantsburg, and made lots of friends through golf leagues, weekly card games, coffee with the “boys”, and hunting. His presence will be greatly missed, but his impact will never be forgotten. Please join us for a Celebration of Tom’s Life, on Saturday, September 9th, 2017, between 1PM & 4PM, at T-Dawgs Bar & Grill, 429 WI-70, Grantsburg, WI 54840. A light lunch will be served. Cash bar. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. The family is being assisted by Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Grantsburg, WI.