In loving memory of

Thomas G. Westrich
May 18, 1997 - June 8, 2018

WAUNAKEE
Thomas George Westrich died Friday, June 8, 2018 at age 21. He was born in Madison on May 18, 1997 to Gregory and Ann (Prihoda) Westrich.

Tom enjoyed life, his family and friends. He was always there to brighten the lives of others, with a goofy joke or witty quip. He truly cared for others and was always willing to help whenever needed.

Tom lived a very fulfilled life that included hunting and fishing and was the happiest in nature. He especially enjoyed the Caribbean Sea. Scuba diving was his respite and being with the sharks always put him at ease. Tom enjoyed playing hockey with his brother on the Waunakee High School team and played trumpet in their marching band. He loved all types of food, but especially enjoyed grilling all meats with his dad on "The Big Green Egg". Tom was also truly gifted and had a knack for anything hands-on. Put a tool in his hand and he could fix or build anything.

Tom was adored by many and will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all of those who were a part of his life.

He is survived by this loving parents Ann and Greg Westrich; his devoted brother David Westrich; grandparents George Prihoda and Tom and Sharon Westrich; uncles, aunts and multiple cousins. Tom will be enjoying eternal life with his grandmother Joyce Prihoda and his uncle Tim Westrich.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 15, 2018 at 2 p.m. at WINN-CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 5785 Highway Q, Waunakee, with Monsignor James Gunn presiding. Family will greet friends from NOON until the time of service.

Tom had many advocates and friends at Connections Counseling in Madison. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Thomas Westrich scholarship at Connections Counseling. www.recoveryfoundation.net

"Live fully, challenge yourself, be kind and generous. Inspire someone, be grateful, take the road less traveled, It's never too late"

Please share your memories.

Winn-Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee
(608) 849-4513

Tributes

Carissa Rindy wrote on Sep 7, 2018:

"Hi my name is Carissa Rindy Sorry for your lost of your son he was in 1st grade with me I remember him being a nice guy we also graduated the same year he will be missed but never forgotten "

Shelly.dutch@connectionscounseling.com wrote on Jul 10, 2018:

"May his memory be a blessing....he will be missed."

Annette Severson wrote on Jun 15, 2018:

"When our son Nicholas was at basic training, we had very limited contact with him for the first 8 weeks...a single phone call. His unit provided updates to family via Facebook. One of the things they did was to hold a weekly trivia contest, and the first person to answer the question correctly got to have a picture of their soldier posted to Facebook. Of course, Tommy was the first person to know the land speed of a ruck march, and sure enough, we were rewarded with a picture of Nick. I will never forget how I felt seeing that first picture of Nick, and I will never forget Tommy."

Sue Dondlinger wrote on Jun 14, 2018:

"When my family first moved to Waunakee 10 years ago Tommy was one of our first friends. He was a very curious boy and enjoyed working and doing projects in our garage with my late husband Ed-- who very much enjoyed his company. I remember a particular time after a blizzard when he helped my shovel for hours on my sidewalk and then went home to have to do his. He was always kind and helpful to my family. Ann, Greg, and David-We are thinking and praying for you in this difficult time. Rest in peace Tommy. Sue, Nikki, and Jesse Dondlingerr "

Paula Crain wrote on Jun 13, 2018:

"Ann and family - so sorry to hear about your loss. May the wonderful memories you have of Tom help you through this difficult time. Keeping you in our prayers. Paula Crain (Vondra) and family"

Debbie Mills wrote on Jun 12, 2018:

"Ann and family- Thinking of you during this difficult time. Hugs and prayers?Debbie Mills "

Lisa Hansen wrote on Jun 11, 2018:

"Greg, Ann and David, we are all very saddened to hear of Tom's passing. We hope your wonderful happy memories of Tom bring you peace, comfort and healing during this difficult time. Our deepest condolences to each of you. The Hansen's Bryan, Lisa Alex, Elizabeth and Nathan "

Amie (Damon) Putnam wrote on Jun 11, 2018:

"Ann, Greg, and David- I am SO very sorry for your loss of Tommy. Many of us at Adventures remember what a wonderful family you were when you came to our center. You were always amazing, supportive parents to both your boys. Tommy always had that sparkle in his eye, as he loved learning new things. I know you are all going through the most horrible ordeal imaginable. I wanted to reach out to you and let you know I am thinking of you all. I will pray that you all get through this together and heal. Please take care of yourselves. Amie (Damon) Putnam"

julie wrote on Jun 11, 2018:

"Ann, Greg, and David- We are thinking of you during this difficult time. May you find comfort in each other, family, and friends. May the memories that have been made will bring you joy and peace. The Fellows Family. "

Geeth Gutta wrote on Jun 10, 2018:

"My thoughts and prayers are with Tom?s family. I can?t even begin to imagine how you?re feeling, and I?d like to offer my support in anyway I can. The same way Tom did for me when I needed it. I was a friend of Tom?s from our freshman year floor. Although our time together was limited, we made a lot of memories back then. Ones I?ll hold onto forever. He was there for me when I called for a friend, and was understanding to everything I shared with him. It was everything a friend could be at a time of life like that, new at college and trying find ourselves. We were snapchatting recently and had a nice conversation about old times, and our lives now. I wish I could tell him one more time how grateful I am to still have him in my life. My favorite memory with Tom was the fall of our freshman year. A bunch of the guys and girls came over and we sprawled out on the floor together and had a lot of laughs. When everyone left, Tom stayed and talked to me about something I needed to talk about. Then we talked about a lot of other things and I learned a lot of interesting things about him. There were many more times like this, and I?d do anything to have more of them. I?ll always remember him as one my first forever friends. Rest easy, Tom. "

Geeth Gutta wrote on Jun 10, 2018:

"My thoughts and prayers are with Tom?s family. I can?t even begin to imagine how you?re feeling, and I?d like to offer my support in anyway I can. The same way Tom did for me when I needed it. I was a friend of Tom?s from our freshman year floor. Although our time together was limited, we made a lot of memories back then. Ones I?ll hold onto forever. He was there for me when I called for a friend, and was understanding to everything I shared with him. It was everything a friend could be at a time of life like that, new at college and trying find ourselves. We were snapchatting recently and had a nice conversation about old times, and our lives now. I wish I could tell him one more time how grateful I am to still have him in my life. My favorite memory with Tom was the fall of our freshman year. A bunch of the guys and girls came over and we sprawled out on the floor together and had a lot of laughs. When everyone left, Tom stayed and talked to me about something I needed to talk about. Then we talked about a lot of other things and I learned a lot of interesting things about him. There were many more times like this, and I?d do anything to have more of them. I?ll always remember him as one my first forever friends. Rest easy, Tom. "

Jodi semandel wrote on Jun 10, 2018:

"Ann, Greg and David, Our deepest condolences at this unimaginable time of loss. Tommy will be missed. May you find comfort with your loved ones, peace through your faith and joy in your memories. With love, The Semandel's"

Jodi semandel wrote on Jun 10, 2018:

"Ann, Greg and David, Our deepest condolences at this unimaginable time of loss. Tommy will be missed. May you find comfort with your loved ones, peace through your faith and joy in your memories. With love, The Semandels"

Tammy Andries wrote on Jun 10, 2018:

"Ann, Greg & David, Words can not begin to ease the pain you are feeling. We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. Tommy was a great kid with his own unique style & will always be remembered. May God wrap you in his arms & give you comfort. Love the Andries family. "