Thomas A. Kitchkume, 83, of 1930 Saratoga St., Wisconsin Rapids, died peacefully at his home Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2009.

Native American funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday in Zoar. Billy Daniels will officiate. Burial will be in Zoar Indian Burial Grounds.

Thomas was born Feb. 19, 1926, to Thomas and Minnie (Eagle) Kitchkume Sr. in Arpin. He married Louise Tomow in 1956 in Milwaukee. She died in 1995.

Thomas served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, and was in numerous campaigns and theaters overseas. He later retired from Milwaukee Railroad.

Thomas resided in Milwaukee until September 2007, when he moved back to Wisconsin Rapids.

He was well known by many country western singers and performers. Thomas was also an avid NASCAR fan and was a life-long member of National Eagle Foundation. He is part of the Native American PowWow display at Milwaukee County Museum.

Survivors include his sister, LuVern Tomhave, Riverside, Calif.; nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and many relatives and friends throughout Indian Country. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Louise; and sisters, Vera Denny and Ramona Blackdeer.

Taylor, Vollert and Jennings Funeral Home of Wisconsin Rapids is assisting the family.

The family would like to thank the Ho-Chunk caregivers and the hospice careworkers for their excellent work and compassion.