Thomas E. Horne

Thomas E. Horne went home to his Lord and Savior on Jan. 12, 2024 at the age of 83. He was born in Wausau, on Feb. 10, 1940, to Leo Charles Horne and Florence Norma (Amrhein) Horne. He graduated from Newman Catholic High School in 1958, then attended Wausau Vocational School, graduating in 1959 with a degree in Drafting. He worked for Employers Mutual in Wausau before moving to Rhinelander in 1970, where he worked for the Department of Transportation for 26 years.

His passion was music and he played bass guitar in Wisconsin’s second rock band called The Runabouts. His claim to fame was his expert playing while also harmonizing. He had the privilege of accompanying famous bands and musicians like Buddy Holly and Waylon Jennings. Tom played and sang into his 80s with dear friends. 

He married Peggy Lu Hodges on January 2, 1978 and they became longtime residents of Rhinelander. They were always together and enjoyed church services, meeting up with friends, and dining out. Upon retirement they wintered at Trophy Gardens in Alamo, Texas for 17 years. Tom was active with the retirement community’s church, woodworking shack, boar hunting, guitar playing and singing, and cribbage.

Tom was an avid hunter and fisherman, as well as a sports fan. A voracious reader with a mechanical mind, he was often found handcrafting his own bows, arrows, knives, and muzzle loaders among other hobbies.

Tom is survived by his brother Lee Horne of Clintonville, daughter Linda Thomas of Wausau, Jeff Horne of Mission, Texas, Michael Horne of Green Bay; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his two stepsons and their wives, Gary & Sarah Hopkins of Oshkosh, and Phil & Corinne Hopkins of Weston; and five stepgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife Peggy Horne, his parents and two brothers, John and Richard Horne. 

The family would like to thank Pride TLC Assisted Living and St. Croix Hospice for their amazing care and kindness.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held at Nativity of Our Lord–St. Mary’s  Church, located at 125 E. King Street, Rhinelander, WI 54501 on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Visitation from 10 a.m. until the service at 11 a.m. Luncheon to follow the service at the church. Condolences can be sent to Linda Thomas at 623 Henrietta St., Wausau, WI 54403.