Tomas Edward Innes

SAXON, Wis. - Tomas Edward Innes passed away on Oct. 12, 2026, in his home, surrounded by his beloved wife and his two daughters.

Tomas was born on Dec. 13, 1951, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Ashland, Wisconsin, to Marvin Innes Sr. and Barbara (Barr) Innes.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy Innes; his daughters, Sarah Kraus (Ted) and Stephanie Innes-Kitto (Michael); his grandchildren, Ashley Smith (Austyn), Greg Kraus (Deanna), Clayton Kraus (Madison), Devin Kraus, Gracie Smith, Jack Smith and Kaysen Kitto; and his great-grandchildren, Declan, Theo, Boston, Jayde, Gentry and Brooks. He is also survived by his siblings, George Innes and Bonnie Paskey (Ken); sisters-in-law, Kaye Innes, Sharon Prell, Carole Janecek, and Karen (Donald) Jaskowiak; and by several nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Innes Sr. and Barbara (Barr) Innes; and his brothers, John Innes, David Innes, Marvin Innes Jr. and Robert Innes; father- and mother-in-law, Frank and Edna Janecek; sisters-in-law, Sheila Innes and Jan Innes; and brothers-in-law, Harley Prell and Frank Janecek Jr.

Tom attended Gurney Grade School through sixth grade as part of the school's final class. He then attended Saxon School for two years before attending J.E. Murphy High School, graduating in 1971.

On May 18, 1974, Tom married the love of his life or - as he would say - "my little honey," Kathleen Janecek. Together, Tom and Kathy raised two daughters, Sarah and Stephanie.

Tom worked for 28 years at the James River Paper Mill in Ashland, Wisconsin, where he served as head electrician. After the mill closed, Tom continued working on his own, putting his electrical skills and willingness to tackle just about any job to good use.

In his younger years, Tom enjoyed basketball, softball and hardball and played in the local bar leagues for several years. He also became a skilled Lake Superior fisherman and spent many happy years trolling the lake. His favorite boat, the Cedar Slammer, became part of those memories. Some of his favorite fishing partners were his wife, Kathy, and his brother, John, along with Perry Elsemore, Jimmy Rowe, Ricky LaFortune and Jake Zepcyck.

Tom later took up golf and spent many years golfing in the Saxon league at Eagle Bluff Golf Course. He continued playing as long as he was able, until his health prevented him from doing so this year.

Perhaps one of Tom's greatest passions began when he was only 12 years old: making maple syrup. Always willing to try something new, Tom was an early adopter of tubing and pumping systems for collecting sap and later incorporated reverse osmosis into his operation. What began as an interest when he was a boy became something he shared with generations of his family and friends, including a special friend, Butch Rowe, who helped perfect the process.

Sarah and Stephanie learned early what it meant to help Dad during maple syrup season, carrying sap through the woods and occasionally losing a boot along the way. In fact, there may still be a few pairs resting somewhere in those woods today. His daughters and grandchildren will tell you that Grandpa's maple syrup was simply the best around.

Tom was also an avid gardener who took tremendous pride in what he grew. Each summer, his family looked forward to the fresh produce from his garden, especially his sweet corn. On a summer day, you could often find Tom in the garden, an old AM/FM radio tuned to the Brewers game, with his dogs nearby.

Tom was active in the community as well. He served as the Town of Gurney chairman for 46 years and resigned in June 2026. He also served on the Iron County Board for several years and was a volunteer in the Saxon/Gurney Fire Department, a member of the Saxon Harbor Boating Club, and a proud donor to Shriners Children Hospital.

Some of Tom's proudest years were spent coaching his daughters in fast-pitch softball. He coached both Sarah and Stephanie through Little League and Senior League and took their teams to the state tournament several times. More important than the tournaments, however, were the years spent alongside his girls and their friends, teaching, encouraging, and cheering them on. In later years, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in sports and extracurriculars. You would often see Tom in the bleachers enjoying a Tootsie Pop - a sweet little trick to keep himself from shouting from the sidelines.

In earlier years, Packer Sundays often meant gathering with family and friends at the Frontier Bar, where Tom and Kathy enjoyed cheering on the Packers. Tom, along with his nephew, Bart, and his brother, John, could be found "coaching" the team from their bar stools. His love of sports didn't stop with football, as Tom was also an avid Milwaukee Brewers fan, with many bus trips down to County Stadium. He also enjoyed watching the Milwaukee Bucks and the Wisconsin Badgers.

He became ordained on Nov. 28, 2024, so he could marry his granddaughter, Ashley, and Austyn on May 3, 2025. He did such a wonderful job that he was called upon once again, officiating the wedding of his daughter, Stephanie, and Michael on June 27, 2026, at Tom and Kathy's family home.

The family would like to thank everyone who stopped by to visit, brought food, shared memories, and showed their love and support. Tom also wanted to extend a special thank you to his dear friends, Ryckie Holm and Gary Pelkola.

The family is especially grateful to Regional Hospice for the kindness and care its staff provided, with heartfelt thanks to Tammy, Michelle, Michael, Matt and Tom.

Tom leaves behind a lifetime of stories, traditions and memories that will continue to be shared by the family and friends who loved him.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m, Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, at St. Ann Catholic Church, Saxon, Wisconsin, with Father Hrudaya Raj Sunkara as Celebrant. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 9 a.m and will continue until the hour of service at the church in Saxon. Interment will follow the Mass in Edgewood Cemetery in Gurney, WI. Luncheon to follow at the Gurney Community Center.

In honor of Tom's generous spirit and love for helping others, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Shriners Children's Hospital.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Mountain Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ashland and Mellen, Wisconsin.