Thomas A. Drier, age 83 of Arkansaw, died unexpectedly Monday, November 9, 2020 at Advent Health Hospital in Durand.

Tom was born on August 17, 1937 at home in Cameron. He was the son of Arthur C. and Dorothy (Hartung) Drier. Tom grew up in the Arkansaw area and graduated from Arkansaw High School in 1955. After high school, Tom began farming in the Little Arkansaw Valley and was so proud of his farm. Tom married Lillian B. Bauer on August 21, 1956 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Lima. They continued farming in Arkansaw, where they raised their family. Tom was a well-respected, humble, selfless, man of conviction and faith. He had a zest for life and was a devoted husband and father.

Tom enjoyed square dancing with Lillian, fishing, hunting, trapping and playing cards. He collected coins, arrowheads and antiques; Tom was immensely proud of his collections. Tom also loved polka dancing and taught his daughters how to polka in the barn! Tom always had candy bars in the fridge for his grandchildren and to them he was known as “Grandpa Chocolate”.

Tom is survived by his wife of 64 years; Lillian, children; Susan (Darren) Kerr of Coral Springs, FL, Sandra Drier of Arkansaw, Sharon Drier of Menomonie, John Drier (Special Friend Deb Sie) of Plum City, James Drier of Menomonie and Joseph (Jan) Drier of Arkansaw, 18 grandchildren; Brandon, Shelby, Sydney, Jena (Bryce), Jenae (Travis), Jeffrey, Brian, Kirsten (Greg), Jessica (Josh), Travis (Katie), Emily, Allison, Jared, Wesley (Fiancé Madi), Matthew, Derek, Trevor and Nicole (Fiancé Grant), five great grandchildren; Elliana, Easton, Aycen, Elise and Lauren, three brothers; Jerry (Kathie) of Arkansaw, David (Brenda) of Arkansaw and Daniel (Julia) of Holland, MI, one sister Marjorie Holt of Alamo, TX, his beloved cat; Daisey, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and nephew, Michael Drier.

Private family services will be held on Thursday, November 19^th at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Arkansaw. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

1. Laurie (Stafford) Niemi January 19, 2021, at 5:06pm

   Jim and family, I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your father. With the loss of someone so special in your life there are no words I can say to ease the pain and sorrow. Please know that we are thinking of you all in our thoughts and prayers.

2. John Anibas November 22, 2020, at 8:37am

   My heart felt sympathy to the family

3. Ken and Jan Kartman November 20, 2020, at 10:17am

   Our thoughts are with you all. We have fond memories of bidding against Tom at auctions and eating strawberry sundaes at lots of Dairy breakfasts. His steadfast love and care of Lillian has certainly earned his place in heaven. We will be sending a donation in his memory to the food pantry

4. Darleen Bauer November 19, 2020, at 8:44am

   My sincere sympathy for the loss of your Dad and Grandpa. He was a wonderful man and friend.

5. Steven and Bebe Pittman November 18, 2020, at 4:14pm

   Lillian and Family our prayers and sympathy go out to you upon the loss Tom! Tom was fixture and great neighbor in Little Arkansaw Valley. God Bless Steven (Cyril) and Bebe Pittman

6. Debbie Larson November 17, 2020, at 10:03pm

   I have many warm and wonderful memories of Tom through the years…family gatherings, lawn chair racing, Easter egg coloring, polka dancing, deer driving and many more. One of my favorite memories of Tom is a card playing memory. One day, family gathered around the dining room table for a competitive game of Double Euchre. Tom and I were named partners. I felt quite inadequate next to a seasoned player. However, good fortune was with me that day. I was dealt a winning hand and was in a position to outbid opponents. I turned to Tom and said, “I’d like to go this one alone.” Without a word, Tom quietly laid down his cards. He smiled assuredly as I pulled in trick after trick. Through the years, just like that day, Tom continued to believe in me. I could always count on his warm greeting, his loyal support and his genuine interest. May the memory of Tom live on in a soft answer, a humble spirit and a generous heart. And may God be your comfort in sorrow and your hope and strength in all your tomorrows.

7. Paula Smith November 17, 2020, at 5:41pm

   David and Brenda so sorry for your loss ill keep you all in my prayers

   Paula Smith

8. Orin Keys November 17, 2020, at 10:24am

   Sorry to here of Tom's Passing Tom was a great classmate and Frtient Praying For the Drier Family

9. Bob and Elva Drier November 16, 2020, at 8:07pm

   So glad Dave let us know. Wish we could attend the funeral but know you have alot of family. So sorry for your loss, we know he was a great husband and father.

10. Ed and Lori Auth November 16, 2020, at 2:37pm

    We are so sorry for the loss of Tom. We are praying for him and all of you. Our deepest condolences.

11. Cal & Pat Longsdorf November 16, 2020, at 10:42am

    We are so sorry for your loss of Tom. He was a great guy and classmate of 55. Many good times we had at the square dance parties. Rest in peace Tom.

12. Sandy Larso November 16, 2020, at 8:55am

    So sorry to hear of Tom's sudden passing, Howard & I always enjoyed visiting with your Dad & Mom whenever we saw them. My thoughts & Prayers to the entire Drier Family as you go through these difficult days. Sandy Larson

13. John and Patty Wayne November 15, 2020, at 9:02pm

    Our Deepest Sympathy to your family.
    May God Bless you'd with the strength you will need at this difficult time.
    Tom was a wonderful man always enjoyed visiting with him.

14. David and Freda Anderson November 15, 2020, at 8:44pm

    So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to the entire Drier family.

15. Denise Polzer November 15, 2020, at 2:11pm

    Deepest sympathy . Tom was such a great guy. The devotion to your mother was like no other ????. Rest in peace Tom . ????

16. Scott Harmon November 15, 2020, at 11:38am

    Condolences to the entire Drier Family. Many great memories for you all.

17. Dan & Joele Klein November 15, 2020, at 9:00am

    We are so sorry for the loss of Tom. All of you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

18. Kathy Hutter-Messier November 14, 2020, at 11:36pm

    Our prayers and sympathy go out to the entire Dmetirier family.

19. Carol (Drier) Pedersen November 14, 2020, at 10:25pm

    I am so sorry to hear of your family's loss. You have my deepest sympathy. May cousin Tom rest in peace in Heaven.

20. Anita Haskins November 14, 2020, at 7:54pm

    Our condolences to the whole family! God’s blessings! Bruce and Anita Haskins

21. Tim and Julie Milliren November 14, 2020, at 7:49pm

    Our sincere condolences to the Drier family.

22. Donna Karshbaum November 14, 2020, at 6:33pm

    We are so Sorry for Your Loss of Your Most Cherished Loved One ! God Bless You All!❤️

23. Douglas Heath November 14, 2020, at 5:13pm

    So sorry to hear of the loss of Tom. Hold close to the memories and the wonderful times you shared. He will alway be with you. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you. Doug and Gay Heath

24. Steve schultz November 14, 2020, at 2:19pm

    My thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time.

25. Bonnie franzwa November 14, 2020, at 1:29pm

    You and your family have my sympathy Lilian

26. Paul Hanson November 14, 2020, at 1:23pm

    Sorry for your loss guys. My prayers and thoughts are with you through this tough times!

27. Paul & Char Fetzer November 14, 2020, at 1:04pm

    So very sorry to hear of your family's loss. Our prayers go out to all of you.

28. Sharon griffin November 14, 2020, at 12:24pm

    sorry for your loss Dave.

29. Kay & Denny Longsdorf November 14, 2020, at 11:56am

    The family of Tom, sorry to hear of your loss. Such uncertain times, know that you are in our prayers and thoughts, even when we can't see you.

30. Floyd and Marge Briggs November 14, 2020, at 11:35am

    We are very sorry for your loss.

31. Mike & Margie Bauer November 14, 2020, at 11:16am

    Mike & I send you our prayers & condolences on your fathers passing. He was a wonderful man. Know that we will see him again when we all get to heaven. God Bless

32. Clara Kobs November 14, 2020, at 10:27am

    So sorry for your loss Nicole and family..Hugs to Nicole and others..from Grant's Granny, Clara Kobs

33. Jack & Donna Barber November 14, 2020, at 8:34am

    SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS ! Deepest Sympathy & Prayers at this difficult time !

34. JoEllen Kraft November 14, 2020, at 7:11am

    Very sad for your loss. Sending healing prayers.

35. Gary and Rose Sabelko November 13, 2020, at 9:29pm

    Condolences to Tom's Family. His solid devotion to his wife, Lillian, and his family was witnessed by many.

36. Donna West November 13, 2020, at 8:09pm

    My condolences

37. Barb Overman November 13, 2020, at 7:41pm

    To families of Tom. Sorry for your loss.
    My thoughts and prayers to all.

38. Joe and Margo Traun November 13, 2020, at 7:13pm

    Thoughts and prayers to the whole Drier family.

39. Theresa (Manor) Schafer November 13, 2020, at 7:11pm

    Tom's family so sorry to hear this. I have a lot of memory's at the farm. I'm pleased to be getting 3 of the cats. I'll name them John , Jim. and Joe . And never forget Tom's face when we skipped school and came over and road motor cycle to a nearby bar with Jim. I had a dress on and Tom made he put on a pair of the boys jeans. Tom sais girls can't ride with a dress on. Good times. RIP Tom.

40. Kristine Polzer November 13, 2020, at 6:58pm

    We were so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a wonderful man. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

    Sincerely,
    Dave and Kris Polzer

41. Tony Gunderson November 13, 2020, at 6:10pm

    Deepest sympathies

42. Joanne Hovey November 13, 2020, at 5:35pm

    Sincere sympathy for the loss of your Dad. Such a difficult time. You are in the thoughts and prayers of so many. God Bless ????

43. Chad & Becky Mason November 13, 2020, at 5:14pm

    We are so very sorry to hear of his sudden passing. Thinking of you all as you grieve. ❤️

44. David & Dorothy Anibas November 13, 2020, at 4:27pm

    Our sympathy to all of the Drier family.Tom was a good
    neighbor and friend.We had many fun times square
    dancing and going out . Rest in Peace

45. Ron Kaempf November 13, 2020, at 3:40pm

    So sorry for your loss????????

46. Bill McRoberts November 13, 2020, at 3:27pm

    I am very sorry for your loss . Tom was a great guy. I'll always remember the time John and i were going to a funeral, and i didn't have a dress shirt. Tom said hold on and went and got me one of his. It really meant something to me.

47. Brenda Meixner November 13, 2020, at 2:32pm

    Lillian and Family our prayers and sympathy go out to you at this difficult time of your loss!

48. Diane Longsdorf November 13, 2020, at 2:21pm

    So very sorry for your loss.

49. Larry and Carol Bauer Prissel November 13, 2020, at 1:55pm

    You all have our Sympathy and Blessing. Tom always had a friendly smile. Rest in Peace Tom.

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