Thomas Paul Reich

Thomas Paul Reich, 56, passed away suddenly late last year. Tom, also known to friends as “Tudie,” was born in Rhinelander on March 15, 1966, the youngest child of Eugene “Tud” Reich and Carole (Wood) Reich.

Tom graduated Rhinelander High School in 1984, after which he worked as a bartender at the Claridge for a decade. 

Tom then spent time working at Marplex before switching to the Rhinelander Paper Mill, where he worked for almost 30 years. It was during his employment at the Claridge that he met his future wife, Regina Wawrzyniak. They were married in 1991 and had two children. Although their marriage ended in 2018, they always cared for one another and remained close. 

Tom’s biggest passion was music. Tom was a truly extraordinary musician, primarily playing the guitar and bass; however, his immense talent gave him the ability to pick up and play almost any instrument.

Tom played in various bands over the years, such as Prowler and Rumblefish. He enjoyed listening to and playing many genres of music, including rock, blues, country, bluegrass, and more.

Tom’s talent also extended to guitar-making — he built many of his own instruments. 

Tom had a great appreciation for science and nature; some of his other interests included photography, chess, gardening, astronomy, and kayaking. Those who knew him appreciated his playful and often quirky sense of humor. Tom was a sports fan, his favorite teams being the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Chicago Cubs. Tom also had multiple pet dogs over the years — Teela, Rika, Tasha, Chevy, and Laci — each of whom he had a special bond with.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law Sandi Reich; father- and mother-in-law Richard Sr. and Dolores Wawrzyniak; brother-in-law Robert “Bob” Nelson; and various aunts and uncles. 

He is survived by former wife Regina Reich; his children Carly Reich and Alexander Reich (Alexa Verbist); brothers David Reich and John Reich; aunts Janet Huebner, Judy Hunter, and Sarah (John) Kirsch; brother-in-law Richard Wawrzyniak Jr.; sisters-in-law Sharon (Dan) Jenkins, Debbie Nelson, and Kathleen Gudleske; various cousins, nieces, and nephews; as well as close friends and bandmates Gary “Rahlow” Gilman, John (Mary) Ramsey, Scott Peterson, and Steve “Stipe” Pelletier. 

There will be a celebration of Tom’s life held on Saturday, Aug. 5 at the Hodag Banquet Center/Cabaret Cove from 1 to 4 p.m. (1540 Pueblo Drive in Rhinelander). At 3 p.m., there will be a memorial presentation and video. All family, friends, and acquaintances are welcome. (Band T-shirts are encouraged!)

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com.