Tom Egan Obituary: Former Winnebago County Board Chairman and Omro Public Servant Dies at 71 After Cancer Battle
Tom Egan Obituary, OMRO, Wis. — Thomas “Tom” Egan, a former chairman of the Winnebago County Board and longtime public servant, died peacefully at his home on July 31 after a brief battle with cancer. He was 71.
Egan devoted decades of his life to serving the people of Winnebago County through a wide range of leadership roles. First elected to the Winnebago County Board of Supervisors in 2008, he represented District 33 and later served as vice chair from 2018 to 2022 before being elected chairman in 2022. He remained the District 33 supervisor until his passing.
His commitment to public service extended well beyond county government. Egan served as president of the Winnebago County Fair Board for 30 years, from 1988 to 2018, and was chairman of the Town of Rushford from 1998 through 2026. He also dedicated six years to the Omro Board of Education between 2019 and 2025, serving as board president for five of those years.
County leaders remembered Egan for his unwavering dedication to his community and his desire to help others. Winnebago County Executive Gordon Hintz said Egan devoted his life to both his family and public service, noting his years of leadership at the town, school district, and county levels. Colleagues also recalled his passion for serving others and the respect he showed to those he worked alongside throughout his career.
Winnebago County Clerk Julie Barthels, who worked with Egan on the County Fair Board beginning in 1991, praised his commitment to the organizations he served. She said his dedication helped deepen her own appreciation for both the County Fair Board and county government, adding that he consistently treated others with respect.
Egan is survived by his wife, Lynn; his sons, Scott and Steven; his grandchildren, Ames, Atwell, Braelon, and Hadley; and his sister, Donna. Visitation is scheduled for Aug. 6 at Mueller Funeral Home in Winneconne from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Additional visitation will take place Aug. 7 at St. Mary’s Church in Winneconne from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Following Egan’s passing, the Winnebago County Board has begun accepting applications to fill the vacant District 33 seat through Aug. 19. Candidates will be interviewed by a committee led by Board Chair Frank Frassetto and Vice Chair Conley Hanson before a final appointment is considered by the full County Board.
Tom Egan’s years of service left a lasting mark on Winnebago County and the Omro community. His leadership, dedication to public service, and commitment to improving the lives of others will be remembered by colleagues, friends, and residents whose lives were touched by his decades of civic involvement. The community extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones as they honor his memory and legacy.
