Long-time Whitewater resident, Thomas (Tom) E. Christofferson passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026 at age 91.
He was born to Cecilia and Fritz Christofferson on January 13, 1935 in Beloit, Wisconsin. He maintained a close relationship with his siblings, Fran and Lawrence, and brother-in-law Bob Kernland, until their deaths. Tom treasured ongoing connection with in-laws Ann & Ted Lamber and nieces and nephews in Switzerland, Norway, and throughout the United States.
Tom married his high school blind date, Karen Kernland, on August 13, 1960. He served in the Army National Guard in Washington State and returned to Wisconsin to raise 3 children. They built a strong sense of community in Whitewater, WI where they lived for 60 years. Tom was dedicated to serving his community through Jaycees, Kiwanis, the Whitewater Economic Development Committee and helping countless people along his path. Tom and Karen enjoyed travels in North America and Europe, maintaining lifelong friendships along the way.
Tom was genuinely interested in people, quick with a smile, and always found a way to make others feel accomplished, accepted, and purposeful.
He earned degrees from UW-Madison, taught and coached in public schools in Beloit and Manitowoc and served as the principal for Washington Elementary School in Whitewater until his retirement in1993. He was a vocal supporter of music, sports, and outdoor education. He had a beautiful singing voice, loved to play tennis and golf, and never missed a Badger, Packer, or Brewers game.
Tom’s special place was “The Cottage” in Vilas County, Wisconsin. Fishing, hunting and teaching his grandkids the wonders of the woods and lakes “filled his bucket.”
He leaves a loving family to carry on his legacy of kindness and curiosity; wife Karen Christofferson of Whitewater; children Cynthia (Jeff) Bachmann of Elkhart Lake, WI , Susan (Kuang Yu) Huang of Geneva, IL, and Peter (Kate) Christofferson of Oregon, WI; grandchildren Kai (Monica) Bachmann, Nathan (Heather) Bachmann, Ben (Bernadette) Bachmann, Nicholas Huang, Andrew Christofferson, and Carolyn Christofferson. In recent years, Tom was charmed by 5 great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later date.
Many thanks to the wonderful nurses and CNAs from Hearthstone and Rainbow Hospice for their heartfelt care. Special thanks to his doctors, Dr. John Phelan and Dr. Nathan Besch.
The family requests that memorials for Tom be directed to:
Rainbow Hospice
Fairhaven/Hearthstone
The Reese Brantmeier Project (www.reesebrantmeierproject)
Nitardy Funeral Home has been entrusted with Tom’s care.
