Tom “Sleepy” Lynch

PORTAGE – Tom “Sleepy” Lynch, age 79, of Portage, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on Thursday, July 23rd, 2026, following a courageous battle with recurrent cancer. Tom was born April 18th, 1947, to William Paul and Madeline Elizabeth (Mulhern) Lynch. He was the fifth of six children. He graduated from Pardeeville High School in 1965, and he remained proud to call himself a Bulldog throughout his life.

In 1970, Tom met the love of his life, Nadine Pamela Robinson. He swept her off her feet, and they were married on October 2nd, 1971, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in Pardeeville. They enjoyed 54 years of marriage and raised two children, Ami and Todd. Tom was a devout husband and father. His kindness and humor were the embodiment of his character. He was adored by his family.

Tom worked for 42 years on the railroad. He hired on as a brakeman with the Milwaukee Road at the age of 19. He also spent time working for the Soo Line Railroad and the Canadian Pacific Railway. Although railroad life meant long days and late nights, it also brought lifelong friendships and camaraderie with coworkers he deeply treasured. He was a hard worker who was respected by his fellow “rails.” He retired as a conductor in 2008. He was, is, and always will be a Portage railroad legend.

Tom took great pride in performing acts of service for his community. For many years he served as a volunteer usher at St. Mary Catholic Church, in Portage. He was a member of the Portage Knights of Columbus for over 20 years, and he served two terms as Grand Knight. Following retirement, Tom continued serving others as a driver for the Columbia County Aging & Disability Resource Center.

Tom was a fan of all Wisconsin-based sports teams, particularly the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers. He also spent many years attending his own kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events. He enjoyed family and social get-togethers, and he was a stalwart at Knights of Columbus fish frys and local card-playing clubs. He was a Master crossword-puzzler, and an expert at-home contestant of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. He was rumored to be one of the best euchre players in the entire country, and although he was not the world’s best golfer, or, fantasy football player, he did have the world’s best sense of humor about it. He loved his family, friends, dogs, coworkers, community, and church. We will always remember him for his laugh, kind heart, and endearing charm. He left this world without regrets. He was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, coworker, and friend. We were all blessed to have known him.

Tom is survived by his wife, Nadine Lynch, of Portage; daughter, Ami (Fraser) Paton, of Katy, Texas; son, Todd (Jennifer) Lynch, of Oregon, Wisconsin; sisters, Eileen (Lynch) Flower, of Leland, Illinois and Donna (Dan) Trolinger, of Florida; grandsons, Brett (Erin) Paton, Eddie Paton, Austin Paton, and Graham Lynch; his favorite granddaughter, Penelope Lynch; and several nephews and nieces. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Larry and Ross; sister, Lucille; father-in-law, Edgar Robinson; mother-in-law, Merna Robinson; sister-in-law, Rita Robinson; and brother-in-law, Ron Flower.

Special thanks go out to Tom’s team of cancer treatment providers at UW Health, and the palliative care staff with Agrace hospice.

A mass of Christian burial and funeral service will be announced on a date to be determined in the near future.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home, in Portage, is assisting the family.