Thomas D. Platz

Thomas Donald Platz, age 40, joined his brothers in their heavenly home on November 28, 2025.

Tom was born in Flagstaff, Arizona on July 24,1985 where he joined his parents Donald and Nancy (Wicker) Platz and brother Steve. Tom was a determined little guy with a strong will and a sweet, loving personality. In 1988 his family moved back to Wisconsin to be nearer to our large extended families. In 1991 Mark joined us and our family was complete. Tom was 6 when sadly and unexpectedly, he was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Tom went from walking to a wheelchair within 2 years, followed by lifelong medical interventions and adjustments to deal with this terrible disease. Through it all, Tom maintained his positive attitude and lived an active and fulfilling life. Just recently he began driving his wheelchair with his eyes!

Tom enjoyed Muscular Dystrophy camp each summer as a child and he served as the Wisconsin Goodwill Ambassador for a year, as well. In 4-H his lop-eared rabbit earned him a trophy for Best of Breed at the fair. Tom loved sports. Two highlights were getting Aaron Rodger’s autograph on Lambeau Field and throwing out the opening pitch at a Brewers game.

In 1999 his family moved to Menomonie, Wisconsin. It was very hard for Tom to leave his friends he had known for so many years, but he bravely faced these new challenges. Tom was confirmed in his faith at Oak Ridge (Living Hope) Church. He excelled as a student and in high school was named to the National Honor Society. Upon graduation, Tom made the leap to college life at UW-Stout choosing to gain more independence by living in a dorm. He majored in Packaging and completed an internship with Shape Products graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Packaging Engineering. Unfortunately, he was unable to gain employment, but he used his extensive computer skills to connect with others, continue lifelong learning, and for enjoyment. He was an expert at GeoGuessr and enjoyed spending time on Packast, as well. He also enjoyed traveling with his family.

After college Tom decided he would like to live away from home and over the years he lived in three different assisted living homes. He was living at Orchid Place Cares at the time of his passing where he received excellent care in a loving environment. Kristin brought so much joy into Tom’s life, along with the dedicated personal care assistants she hired whom Tom considered his dearest friends. Tom’s dream was to someday make the Guiness Book of World Records as the oldest person to live with Muscular Dystrophy.

In July, his parents had a big celebration for Tom’s 40th birthday. They were fortunate to spend a lovely Thanksgiving with Tom the day before the Lord called him home.

Tom will be greatly missed by his parents. He is also survived by Kristin, and his personal care assistants, Kaden, Izzy, Amari, and Haley and his bearded dragon Jupiter who brought him great joy. Tom was blessed with an abundance of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Tom was preceded in death by his grandparents, Edward and Christine Wicker and Arno and June Platz, his brothers Steve and Mark, uncles Paul Wicker and Ken Brosig, aunts Lois Wicker and Barbara Platz, and his cousin Dan Wicker.

Tom’s funeral will be held on Monday, December 8th at Living Hope Church, 620 24th Avenue W Menomonie, Wisconsin at 1PM. Pastor Brent Juliot will officiate. There will be time for visiting from noon to 1PM. A celebration of life will take place on Friday, December 19th from 4PM until 7PM at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N Webster Ave. De Pere, Wisconsin. Tom will be interred at Mount Olivet Cemetery in De Pere.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or Parents Project Muscular Dystrophy. Thank you to Dr. Simpson, Dr. Gary, and Dr. Diebold who helped us navigate life with Muscular Dystrophy.