A Memorial Mass is scheduled for today (Friday) in Winsted for a lifelong community member, businessman, and civic leader. Thomas “Tom” Ollig passed away June 28th at the age of 74.
Tom was a 1970 graduate of Holy Trinity High School in Winsted, and later went on to attend Mankato State University.
His working career began as a teenager, working alongside his father, John at the Winsted Telephone Company. When his father became ill, Tom stepped up to manage the company for the next 15 years. After TDS Telecom purchased the company, he continued his career there for another 19 years.
While his working career was certainly noteworthy, it was his civic leadership that most people will remember Ollig for. He helped with foundation work at St. Mary’s Nursing Home, the Cokato Charitable Trust, and the Adult Training and Habilitation Center.
Tom also served on the Winsted City Council for 32 years, and was both President and Past President of the Winsted Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Holy Trinity School Education Committee, the Spring Fling Committee, the Winsted Centennial Committee, and multiple campaign committees, and was currently a Director of Security Bank and Trust.
Ollig was also a founding member of the Winstock Country Music Festival, Brat Busters, St. Mary’s Walk of Hope, St. Mary’s Craft Beer Festival, and the Winsted Winter Festival. He also was instrumental in securing funding for the fountain for Winsted Lake, and bringing the Vietnam Wall that Heals and the 9/11 Never Forget Mobile Exhibits to the community of Winsted.
The Ollig family requests donations to Holy Trinity Schools in lieu of flowers.
