Thomas V. Koszarek, of Antigo, died Saturday, December 15, 2012. He was 90 years old. He was born on February 14, 1922 in Town of Rolling, a son of Martin and Clara (Spychalla) Koszarek.

He was a successful dairy farmer. At age 42 he left the farm to go back to school. He first attended the University of Wisconsin where he received his bachelor and masters degrees. He then attended the University of Minnesota where he earned a PhD in Agricultural Economics.

Mr. Koszarek served with distinction as an agricultural agent in Taylor County and later in Trempealeau County.

After retirement he focused his energies on the SS Mary and Hyacinth Charity Fund which he founded and permanently endowed, ultimately donating over a million dollars. The Fund offers financial assistance to local people in need.

Mr. Koszarek was involved in the community affairs. He was a member of SS. Mary and Hyacinth Catholic Church and the Msgr. Conrad Sailie Council 1002 Knights of Columbus, both in Antigo. He was interested in local affairs and submitted letters and articles to the Antigo Daily Journal and published his memoirs in a book titled "My Turn to Speak."

Survivors include seven sisters Rose Marchel, Milwaukee, Martha Bombinski, Antigo, Sr. Jane Frances, Sr. Irene, Sr. Anne and Sr. Elizabeth Koszarek all of Stevens Point, Mary (Jerome Wuller) Koszarek, Webster Grove, MO; three brothers Louis (Josephine) Koszarek, Antigo, Msgr Paul Koszarek, Crandon, Martin (Toshie) Koszarek, Yonkers, NY; a sisters-in-law Anne Koszarek, Green Bay: many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two sisters Florence (Theodore) Hoffman and Clara (Gordon) Mayo, four brothers Rev. Thaddeus, Steve, Alexander (Dorothy) and Andrew Koszarek; two brothers-in-law Carl Bombinski and Redmond Marchel.

A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at SS Mary & Hyacinth Catholic Church with his brother Msgr. Paul Koszarek officiating. Burial will take place in Queen of Peace Cemetery.

Visitation will be 3:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the Bradley Funeral Home and 10 a.m. until the time of services on Wednesday at the church.

The Knights of Columbus will recite the rosary at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday and a parish wake service will be held at 7:15 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be directed to the SS Mary and Hyacinth Charity Fund 819 Third Ave. Antigo, WI 54409.

Services