Thomas Myron Reynolds, 33, of Manitowoc passed away on August 26, 2024, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. Popular and deeply loved, he was surrounded by family and friends as he peacefully surrendered to aggressive Metastatic Melanoma after it had moved to his brain. For two years (diagnosis in September 2022), Tom bravely fought this devastating disease, never complaining and always living his life to the fullest.
A true Wisconsinite, Tom was born in Milwaukee on October 11, 1990, to Paul and Cathy Reynolds. Despite being born in the city, Tom and the rest of the Reynolds family called the Northwoods home until after Tom had graduated from Lakeland Union High School in Minocqua in 2009. During high school, he was very active in sports, namely hockey and football. It was also during high school that Tom discovered his passion for music and began to play bass in a metal band named Mechanically Deboned with his best friends.
After high school, Tom moved to Green Bay, WI. As a lifelong Packers fan, Tom loved being close to Lambeau Field and enjoyed being a season ticket holder. Football games were an important ritual for Tom and a special place to spend time with his “Daddy-O”, Paul. Additionally, Tom spent the last 8 years growing beautiful plants and flowers at Natural Beauty Greenhouse. He enjoyed spending his days nurturing plants and watching football on Sundays, but every other spare moment he dedicated to his continued musical endeavors and active social life. A true rockstar, he continued to play bass in a number of heavy metal bands including Vile Disgorgement, and most recently, Isaern (PRONOUNCED ISSERN, like rhymes with “concern”). A big name in the metal community, Tom’s friends and fans lovingly referred to him as the “Lord of the Pit” because he was unstoppable in a mosh pit. However, intimidating as he was in the pit, outside of it, Tom was a beacon of light, love, and peace.
This light was never brighter than when Tom was around his friends and family. For the last three years, Tom lived with his sister Liz, her husband Richard, and their two daughters Lily (6) and Violet (3) in Manitowoc, WI. Tom was a wonderful uncle and very proud of his nieces.
Tom truly drew people in and pulled them together. He would work to avoid drama and lift the mood with a simple “I just play bass” and redirect the conversation to something positive, or make a joke to dispel any tension. Literally thousands of friends join Tom’s family in grieving the loss of this genuine man. His legacy, exemplified by his music, compassion, and incredible friendships, will continue to inspire and guide us. As we grapple with the loss of his physical presence, we may find solace in knowing that his spirit lives on through his music and the memories we share.
Survivors include his parents Paul and Cathy Reynolds; his beloved sister Liz and brother-in-law Richard Peterson and their two daughters Lily and Violet; the love of his life, Amy Khan; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins: Mark, Kim, Josh, Jake, and Zach Kattner; Tami, Jay, Emily, and Lydia Fricke; Rachel Menon; David, Justin, and Daniel Sterrenburg; Anna Greve; Wanda and Andy Larsen; Mary and Jim Wacker; Sarah, David, and Brian Gallagher; Bridget Polit; RJ Reynolds; Emilee Brown; Sophie DeMoss; Peter, Gigi, Oliver, and Isla Reynolds; his best friend Caroline Ojala; and his cat Snax; the members of his band, Isaern; and countless friends.
Preceding him in peace were his grandparents Thomas & Louina Reynolds, and Gerald & Elizabeth Sterrenburg, his cousin David Musselman, and several close friends.
Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, 628 N. Water St. in Manitowoc will host a visitation with the family on Friday, October 4, from 5 – 7 PM. On Saturday, October 5, there will be another chance for visitation from 9 – 11 AM at First German Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1033 S. 8th St., followed by a Christian Funeral at 11 AM, officiated by Pastor Jacob Hoff. Directly after the funeral, there will be a procession to Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc to bury a portion of the ashes. The rest of Tom’s ashes will be spread in the ocean to forever swim with the sharks. Following the graveside service and burial of the ashes, there will be a luncheon at Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 N. Water St., around 12:45 PM. Last but not least, the family welcomes you to celebrate Tom’s first heavenly birthday on October 11 at the Fieldhouse in Lincoln Park from 4-11 PM with his band and lots of food.
Tom’s family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at Mayo Clinic, with a very special thanks to Dr. Graham W. Johnson, Neurosurgery.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Tom’s Name to The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge (411 2nd St NW, Rochester, MN 55901, 507-529-4673) or First German Evangelical Lutheran Church Organ’s Fund. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair Streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
