Thomas (Tommy) A. Waterhouse, 71 of Chetek, passed away Friday, February 11, 2022, at his home with his daughter Lindsey and Cody Erickson (a close family friend) at his side.

He was born October 19, 1950, in Eau Claire Wisconsin, the son of Wayne and Dolores (Tweed) Waterhouse.

After Tom graduated from Chetek High School, he went to work at his father’s business, Northern Bait, in Chetek, where he remained for many years. Eventually, Tom ended up starting his own version of the business naming it Northern Wax Worms where he worked until his dying days. His brother Mark and cousin Jerry are continuing to keep the business up and running today,

Over the years Tom made a great many friends that he met through his business or pursuing his passions of hunting and fishing. Tom loved telling stories related to these activities and was quite the practical joker, so many of his stories were also related to a joke he may have been playing on someone during the pursuit of these activities. Everyone who knew Tom probably has a funny story about him.

When someone had a wild animal that needed to be taken care of or removed from someone’s property, Tommy often got the call to provide assistance. Tom loved animals and often these rescued animals ended up living on Toms’ hobby farm, where his business was also located. Squirrels and foxes would come to his call and he had a big tom turkey that would follow him around while he was outside tending to his cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, horses, and whatever other farm animal happened to have ended up at his home.

Tom often hunted and fished with his older brother Gary and has many pictures of remote locations he traveled to, pursuing big game and big fish. His living room is filled with trophies from these expeditions.

Tom is survived by his son Luke and his daughter Lindsey, Cody Erickson, and brothers Mark, Mike, and Brian. He is preceded in death by his mother Dolores and his father Wayne and his brother Gary (whom Tom says visited him often). Tom was married three times, as was his oldest brother, Gary, who often offered him marital advice. The family always got a kick out of this since neither one of them was particularly good at it and always had their eureka moments a bit too late.

A celebration of Tommy’s life will be held at Chetek Bowling Alley on Saturday, March 26th at 1 PM. Please come and share stories about Tom and celebrate his life with friends and family.

Last Update: Mar 03, 2022 5:19 pm CST