Thomas Lee Colbert Sr., age 78 of Rice Lake, WI, died Monday, December 22, 2025 at his home surrounded by loving family members. He was born on August 31, 1947 in Rice Lake to Basil and Alice (O’Neill) Colbert.

Tom graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1965. He entered the United States Army and served during the Vietnam Era where he received a Purple Heart and was later Honorably Discharged. He was a very proud Veteran.

Tom grew up in Rice Lake was married to Sandra Prosecky and together they had 3 children. He later married Denille Klapak Spanhanks in August 2003.

Tom worked for F&G Products for several years and later Walmart in Rice Lake in maintenance and putting bicycles together. He was a drummer, loved to fix bicycles, enjoyed watching NFL, played practical jokes on everyone and loved telling jokes.

Tom was a good neighbor to his neighborhood. He loved being with all of his family and going to family reunions. Tom loved going to coffee with his buddies everyday at Hardee’s. Tom was everyone’s favorite Uncle.

He is survived by his wife, Denille Colbert; 3 children, Tommy Colbert Jr. (Heather), Cindy Gutz (Dan) and Brent Colbert; 6 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; 3 brothers, Jim Colbert, Pat Colbert (Mary), Rich Colbert; 3 sisters, Linda Adams (Dave), LuAnn Brooten (Bernie) and Nancy Benish (Glen); many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Basil and Alice Colbert; and a sister, June Crandall. A celebration of his life will be held at 10AM-12PM Friday, January 9, 2026 at Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, with interment in the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery in Spooner, WI with Full Military Rites accorded him by the Rice Lake Veteran Honor Guard Center.

Last Update: Dec 24, 2025 7:14 am CST