Thomas Lee DeBusk Jr.

Thomas Lee DeBusk, Jr., age 59, of Chetek, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2026, following a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving family and friends, who remained by his side during his final days.

Tom was born on February 7, 1967, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Thomas and Diane DeBusk. He graduated from McFarland High School in 1985 and soon after answered the call to serve his country, proudly enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He served for four years before continuing his education at Edgewood College, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.

Tom's commitment to service did not end with the Marine Corps. In 1991, he proudly enlisted in the Wisconsin Air National Guard in Madison, joining the 115th Fighter Wing and beginning a remarkable 42-year military career. Throughout his years of service, Tom completed numerous tours and assignments, including deployments to Japan, Iraq, Qatar, and Afghanistan. He served in a variety of roles, including fabrication, training and education, non-destructive inspection, and quality assurance. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant in February 2026.

Tom took immense pride in serving his country, but perhaps even more so in serving alongside the people he considered family. His dedication to duty, unwavering work ethic, and commitment to those around him left a lasting impression on countless service members and friends. To those who knew him, his loyalty and generosity were qualities that defined the man he was.

Following his retirement from the military, Tom and his wife, Mary, relocated north to Chetek, Wisconsin, where they began a new chapter together and built their dream home on the lake. There, Tom embraced the things he loved most. He was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan and an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed golfing, boating, exploring in the side-by-side, and-most of all-spending time with his family and friends.

Above everything else, Tom was a devoted husband, a proud father, a loyal friend, and an inspiration to so many. Whether through his military service, his friendships, or the love he gave his family, Tom had a way of making the people around him feel valued and cared for. His presence, his humor, his strength, and his unwavering loyalty will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Tom is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years, Mary DeBusk; his three sons, Brendan (Alfredo) of San Francisco, California, Ryan of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and Logan of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is further survived by his mother, Diane DeBusk; his sister, Melissa Ward (Chuck); his brother, Jon DeBusk (Ayako); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas DeBusk, Sr.

Tom leaves behind a legacy of service, love, friendship, and devotion that will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him. His greatest pride was the people he loved, and his greatest gift was the life he shared with them.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held at a later date.