Thomas Knapkavage, of Deerbrook, died Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at home under the care of his family and LeRoyer Hospice. He was 69 years old. He was born on February 27, 1952, in Antigo, a son of the late Stanley Knapkavage and Margaret (Hafner) Knapkavage of Antigo. He married Carol Eckardt on September 14, 1974, at St. Mary Catholic Church. She survives.
He was a graduate of Antigo High School with the class of 1970.
He attended Trans American School of Broadcasting in Wausau.
Tom worked as a radio broadcaster for stations in Tomahawk, Antigo, Wausau, Waupaca, Two Rivers, and Rhinelander.
When the radio industry changed to automation Tom and his family formed TKO and the Sassy Brass Band. They played throughout the Midwest being the House Band at Great America and opening for The Guess Who, The Grass Roots, Starship, and other acts.
Tom learned carpentry from his father and enjoyed plying the trade with home remodeling and helping others.
Music and music history were Tom's passion evident by his collection of thousands of albums and knowledge of each artist, songs written, and their dates.
His daughters were his world - he valued providing for them, time spent with them, and performing with them.
He was a member and lector at SS Mary and Hyacinth Catholic Church.
Survivors including his wife and mother are three daughters, Sheila Marckx, Appleton, Sara (Jay) True, Weston, Sally (Jason) Kundert, Oregon, Wisconsin; four grandchildren, Lennon and Landon True, Collins and Cooper Kundert; five sisters, Kathleen (Bert) Packard, Antigo, Jeanne Knapkavage, Antigo, Leah Schroepfer and Dave Kirsch, Antigo, Lynn (Patrick) Noskowiak, Antigo, Lori (Joseph) Kessler, Antigo; a sister-in-law, Deb Knapkavage and Jim Kapusta, Antigo.
He was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Donald Knapkavage.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 25, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. at SS Mary & Hyacinth Catholic Church with Rev. Joel Sember officiating. Burial will take place in Queen of Peace Cemetery.
Visitation will be 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at the Bradley Funeral Home and 9 to 10 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home. A parish wake service will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday also at the funeral home.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Thomas S. Knapkavage, please visit our Tribute Store
Services
Visitation
Antigo, WI 54409
Visitation
Antigo, WI 54409
Service
Antigo, Wisconsin 54409
My deepest condolences. Tom and I were in class together at Trans America and I'm so happy to know he "followed through."
Penny Rudell Hurlbert
Dear Sheila -- so sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. We send our love and sympathy at this very sad time.
Our Deepest Sympathies
Simple Sorrows was purchased for the family of Thomas S. Knapkavage by Tribute Store.
Carol and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Lori Hoppock
Our condolences to all the family. God Bless🌺🙏
Dear Sally - Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May your father's memory be a blessing.
Freedom was purchased for the family of Thomas S. Knapkavage by Brown & Brown GC Camp Team.
With heartfelt condolences,
Feathery Palm Plant, Large was purchased for the family of Thomas S. Knapkavage by Your Family, Friends, and Colleagues at UMR/UHC..
Sally & family - I'm sending my thoughts and prayers for your family's peace at this difficult time. I am very sorry for your loss.
So sorry Our prayers are with Tom’s family 🙏. We will always remember him for his kindness and great smiles. His talent and his family will still be innour memories. God be with you.
My sincere sympathy to Tom's family he will be missed by so many. R.I.P Tom!
So sorry to hear of Tommy's passing. What a guy, husband, father, son, co-worker and friend. I worked in radio with him several times, WIFC and WOFM! My toughts and prayers go out to Carol and the girls during this difficult time. He will be missed by so many!
So sorry for your loss. He had a good family and good life. God bless.
So very sorry for your loss Tom was awesome guy especially in school fun times good memories may he Rest In Peace prayers for all🙏🙏🙏
Add to Your Calendar
Obit Checkin