Thomas “Tom” Egan Obituary: Former Winnebago County Board Chairman Dies at 71

WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Wis. — Thomas “Tom” Egan, a longtime public servant, community leader, and former chairman of the Winnebago County Board, has died peacefully at his home on July 31 following a brief battle with cancer. He was 71.

Egan devoted decades of his life to serving the people of Winnebago County and the surrounding communities. Through his work in county government, education, agriculture, and local leadership, he became a respected and familiar figure whose commitment to public service left a lasting mark on countless residents.

His career in county government began in 2008, when he was first elected to the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors to represent District 33. He later served as vice chair of the County Board from 2018 through 2022 before being elected chairman in 2022. He continued serving as the District 33 supervisor until his passing.

Egan’s dedication to his community extended far beyond his work on the County Board. He served as president of the Winnebago County Fair Board for three decades, from 1988 through 2018, helping guide an organization that held an important place in the community. His long involvement with the fair reflected his commitment to local traditions, agriculture, families, and community life.

He also served as chairman of the Town of Rushford from 1998 through 2026, providing decades of leadership and civic service. His commitment to education was equally significant. From 2019 through 2025, Egan served on the Omro Board of Education for six years, including five years as board president.

Throughout his many years of service, Egan was remembered for his dedication, humility, and genuine desire to help others. County leaders and colleagues praised his willingness to listen, his respect for those around him, and his determination to make a positive difference in the organizations and communities he served.

Winnebago County Executive Gordon Hintz remembered Egan as a man who devoted his life to both his family and public service. His leadership across the town, school district, county government, and community organizations demonstrated a commitment that spanned generations.

Julie Barthels, the Winnebago County Clerk, also reflected on Egan’s remarkable dedication. Having worked with him on the County Fair Board beginning in 1991, she remembered his commitment to the organizations he served and the respect he consistently showed to others.

Beyond his public accomplishments, Tom Egan will be remembered by his family as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He is survived by his wife, Lynn; his sons, Scott and Steven; his grandchildren, Ames, Atwell, Braelon, and Hadley; and his sister, Donna.

For his family, friends, colleagues, and community members, Egan’s passing represents the loss of someone whose life was deeply connected to the people and places he served. His influence was reflected not only in official positions and leadership roles but also in the relationships he built throughout decades of civic involvement.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 6, at Mueller Funeral Home in Winneconne from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Additional visitation is scheduled for Friday, August 7, at St. Mary’s Church in Winneconne from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Following Egan’s death, the Winnebago County Board has begun the process of filling the vacant District 33 seat. Applications are being accepted through August 19, with candidates expected to be interviewed by a committee led by Board Chair Frank Frassetto and Vice Chair Conley Hanson before the full County Board considers a final appointment.

As the community remembers Tom Egan, his decades of public service stand as an important part of his legacy. From the Winnebago County Board and County Fair Board to the Town of Rushford and Omro Board of Education, he consistently gave his time and energy to causes and institutions he believed were important to his community.

His legacy will live on through the people he served, the organizations he helped lead, and the generations of residents who benefited from his commitment to civic life. His leadership, integrity, compassion, and dedication to public service will remain an enduring part of Winnebago County’s history.

The thoughts and heartfelt condolences of the community remain with Lynn, Scott, Steven, their children and grandchildren, Donna, and the entire Egan family during this difficult time. May they find comfort in the memories they shared with Tom and in knowing that his decades of service made a meaningful difference to the community he loved.

Thomas “Tom” Egan will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and the many residents whose lives he touched. His life of service and commitment will be remembered with gratitude, respect, and admiration.