Thomas J. Lightholder

Age 60, born in Chicago and a New Berlin resident for 29 years, entered eternal peace on Sunday, September 7, 2014. Preceded in death by his parents, Glen J. and Germaine M. (nee Coppens) Lightholder. Beloved husband of Cheryl (nee Johnson) Lightholder. Dearest father to Eliza (Bob) Pautz and Valerie S. Lightholder, beloved Papa Tom to Maura Germaine and Jamesen Thomas Pautz, and big brother to Laura Lightholder.

Tommy Joe, as many knew him, was a foundryman who worked at J & L Fiber Services in Waukesha for 26 years. Always a believer in "paying it forward," Tom became a SOAR volunteer for St. Mary's Burn Unit after so many volunteers helped him and his family understand that there is "life after burns" following his own accident 16 years ago. A new battle arose on January 19, 2014, when Tom was diagnosed with AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia). For several months he underwent chemotherapy at Froedtert Memorial Hospital, and was "reborn" on May 20th with a stem cell transplant received from a kind and giving 26-year-old. While there were many struggles, Tom fought hard in his rehab so he could make a trip to his beloved Lake Saganaga in the Boundary Waters to fish for Walleye and Northern. Sadly, the easy path to recovery was not to be his; a relapse in August demanded a continued fight with strength and hope. The family wants to thank the caregivers at Froedtert's 4NT, Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Grace Clinic and MICU. The care, humor and understanding each and every one contributed to his recovery were so greatly appreciated and made this painful journey easier.

Through highs and lows, Tommy Joe always had a positive attitude, a lighthearted sense of humor and a love of telling stories. Camping, golfing and sharing moments with family and friends were his passion. There are aunts and uncles, nephews, nieces, brother- and sister-in-laws, cousins, and friends who knew and respected Tom. Truly, the hardest part of his passing is the void remaining for all with whom he shared his life, impacted and loved; we grieve for ourselves, but know he will greet each of us when God calls us home.

Visitation at the Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, on Thursday, September 11, from 4:00-7:30 PM. Additional visitation at ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON CATHOLIC PARISH, 12700 West Howard Avenue, on Friday, September 12, from 10:00-11:00 AM. Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00AM. Memorials in Tom's honor to: Columbia St Mary's Burn Foundation (SOAR program) Heritage Center, 2320 North Lake Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53211 (<a href="http://www.supportcsm.org">www.supportcsm.org</a>) and Leukemia Society-WI Chapter 200 South Executive Drive, Suite 203, Brookfield, WI 53005 (<a href="http://www.lls.org/aboutlls/chapters/wi">www.lls.org/aboutlls/chapters/wi</a>) .