The abrupt and unexpected departure of Thomas “Tom” L. Henderson, a much-loved local who had an impact on the lives of a great number of people, has caused the community of Eau Claire to express its sorrow. The death of Tom, who was 61 years old, occurred on Sunday, January 7, 2024, in his home in the rural area of Eau Claire. Tom’s journey through life was characterised by his commitment to his community, his love for sports, and his enthusiasm for the great outdoors.
He was born in Independence, Missouri, and he was reared in Janesville, Wisconsin. His tenure as the shop manager at Shopko, to which he spent twenty years of his life, was the source of Tom’s profound influence on the town of Eau Claire. Tom, who was well-known for his dedication to his profession and his kind attitude, became a familiar face to many people, and he left an indelible impact not just on his coworkers but also on customer satisfaction.
Tom, a sports fanatic, displayed his unshakable allegiance to his favourite teams by wearing the colours of the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs with great pride. The enthusiasm that he had for sports was contagious, and he frequently participated in animated conversations with his family and friends, so establishing memories that will last a lifetime during game nights and other events.
Outside of the limits of the store and the arenas where sports were played, Tom discovered peace and harmony in nature. He was a devotee of hunting, and he enjoyed both the splendour of nature and the excitement of the hunt.
He shared his passion for wildlife with his family and friends during fishing trips, so establishing connections that spanned many generations. His love for animals extended to fishing expeditions.
Tom placed a high value on his family, and he treasured the time he got to spend with his nephews, Austin Henderson, Jack Lynch (and his wife Becky), and Dylan Lynch (and his wife Kaija). Whether it was fishing by the lake or playing friendly card games, Tom found happiness in the straightforward pleasures of life, which resulted in the formation of a sense of camaraderie that will be extremely difficult to replace.
