Tom Egan Obituary, Omro, WI Death: Former Winnebago County Board Chairman Dies Unexpectedly at 71

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

Egan dedicated much of his life to serving the residents of Winnebago County, earning widespread respect through decades of leadership in county government, local education, and community organizations. His passing marks the end of a distinguished career defined by public service and civic commitment.

First elected to the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors in 2008, Egan represented District 33 for nearly two decades. He served as vice chair of the board from 2018 to 2022 before being elected chairman in 2022, a position he held until his passing.

Beyond his work with county government, Egan was deeply involved in numerous local organizations. He served as president of the Winnebago County Fair Board for 30 years, from 1988 to 2018, and led the Town of Rushford as chairman from 1998 through 2026. His commitment to education was equally notable, serving on the Omro Board of Education from 2019 to 2025, including five years as board president.

County leaders have paid tribute to Egan’s decades of service and lasting contributions. Winnebago County Executive Gordon Hintz praised his lifelong dedication to both his family and the community, noting that his leadership left a meaningful impact across local government, education, and civic organizations.

Winnebago County Clerk Julie Barthels, who served alongside Egan on the County Fair Board beginning in 1991, remembered him as a dedicated leader whose commitment and respect for others inspired those around him. She credited him with helping strengthen community organizations through his tireless service and collaborative approach.

Egan is survived by his wife, Lynn; his sons, Scott and Steven; his grandchildren, Ames, Atwell, Braelon, and Hadley; and his sister, Donna.

Visitation will be held on August 6 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Mueller Funeral Home in Winneconne. A second visitation is scheduled for August 7 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Winneconne before funeral services.

Following his passing, the Winnebago County Board has opened the application process to fill the vacant District 33 supervisor seat through August 19. Applicants will be interviewed by a committee led by Board Chair Frank Frassetto and Vice Chair Conley Hanson before a recommendation is presented to the full County Board.

Tom Egan’s legacy of public service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Winnebago County will be remembered for generations. His decades of service helped shape his community, leaving a lasting impact on the residents, organizations, and institutions he faithfully served.