Anderson Funeral Home

serving families for over 70 years
312 South Stone St.
Augusta, WI 54722
715-286-2222

Thomas Neuenfeldt
Thomas “Tom” James Neuenfeldt 81 of Augusta, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on his 81st birthday, Tuesday, March 31st, 2026, at home in the loving care of his wife, with the assistance of St. Croix Hospice and other care givers. 

Tom was born in 1945 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to John and Vera (Andress) Neuenfeldt. He grew up in the Hallie area, where he was raised by his cherished grandmother Clara Andress. He graduated from Chippewa Falls High School.

After high school, Tom proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Despite the hardships he faced in Vietnam, he served honorably. Upon his return to Eau Claire, he attended Chippewa Valley Technical College for four years, earning degrees in plumbing and HVAC. With these qualifications Tom started his own home construction business, working throughout the tri-state area. Much of his time was spent traveling and living in motels as he worked. Tom retired from this career in 1983.

At the age of 66, Tom chose to settle in Augusta, Wisconsin, to be close to his son Nick and family. He became active at the Augusta Senior Center, where he met Rhoda “Dodie” Brunzlick. Their relationship began with a simple request for Dodie to watch his dogs for a weekend, blossoming into a lasting love. The couple married on July 17, 2015, at the Hitching Post in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, during a Rendezvous event. Together, they made their home in Augusta, sharing many interests and passions.

Tom had a deep appreciation for the history and traditions of the early French and Native American fur trade era. He and Dodie participated in Rendezvous events across Wisconsin and neighboring states, bringing history to life through reenactments and demonstrations. Tom was highly skilled in traditional crafts, such as trapping, trap demonstrations, knife-making, flint knapping, crafting arrowheads, making bows and arrows, and constructing muzzleloaders. He generously shared his talents and knowledge at Rendezvous gatherings, the Augusta Senior Center, and community events.
In addition to his historical interests, Tom was an avid and talented woodcarver, a skill he developed in childhood. He enjoyed carving animals like wolves, eagles, and bears, often creating tabletop-sized pieces. He also produced larger works, such as chainsaw-carved totem poles up to 30 feet tall. Many of his carvings honored Native American traditions, with each animal representing a unique meaning and story. 

Tom, along with his brother and sister, frequently attended flea markets and trade shows to sell their carvings and crafts. One of their favorite events was the Cranberry Festival in Warrens, Wisconsin, where they enjoyed sharing their work and connecting with visitors. 

Tom also had a strong interest in antiques, buying and selling various items, renting booths at local venues, and occasionally operating small antique shops.

Tom’s experiences during the Vietnam War remained with him throughout his life and at times made life challenging. However, with the support and love of his wife Dodie and his family, especially in his later years, he found comfort, happiness, and peace.
He will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Rhoda “Dodie” Neuenfeldt, and all his loved ones.

Children: Thomas “TJ” (Linda) Neuenfeldt Lester Prairie, Minnesota; Shelly (Doug) Gabel Appleton, Wisconsin; James Neuenfeldt, Minnesota; Brian (Tanya) Neuenfeldt Eau Claire, Wisconsin; and daughter-in-law Pam Neuenfeldt Stanley, Wisconsin.

Grandchildren: Courtney (Eric) Whited, Brittaney (Chris) Bowe, Thomas “Tom” Supri, Trevor Gabel and Cadence Gabel, Sunniva Neuenfeldt, Samantha (Kent) Knuth, Codey (Amanda) Johnson, Johnathan “John” Neuenfeldt (Ashley Meyer), Joseph “Joe” Neuenfeldt (Laura Pierce), Jacob “Jake” Neuenfeldt, Hunter Neuenfeldt (Alexis Pierce).  Many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and close family friends also survive him.

Sister: Marlene Howe Wausau, Wisconsin

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Vera (Andress) and John Neuenfeldt; sisters and brothers Kathrine Neuenfeldt, Regina Pederson, Candace “Candy” Emerson, and John “Jack” Neuenfeldt; and his son Nicholas “Nick” Neuenfeldt.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta, with military honors at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A luncheon will follow at the First Baptist Church in Augusta.

Services will be held at Anderson Funeral Home in Augusta on Saturday, May 2nd, with final details yet to be finalized.

At a later date, Tom will be buried with military honors at Turtle Lake and Spooner Veterans Memorial Cemeteries.

Online condolences can be left at www.andersonfhaugusta.com