Tommy James Mathis

Tommy James Mathis, 48, of Sheboygan, was born April 4, 1975 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri and passed away on March 4, 2024.

Tommy attended various schools growing up from moving around, for elementary he attended school in Fredonia, Doniphan Missouri, Arizona and Longfellow elementary in Sheboygan. He attended middle school in Waubeka and graduated from Ozaukee High school.

His fondest childhood memories were with his father Larry, who he says molded him in into the man he was. He adored his father and always said he was taken to soon from him. During his years in high school, he developed his love for muscle and sports cars. In his senior year, he had his first child, Samantha. Shortly after high school he joined the trades and started working commercial. He would travel to Canada all the time and always talked about those days when he was young and could party all night and then go work 50-hour weeks. Work then brought him to Minnesota where he met Sharla DeGroat (mother of his family) and soon after had their first son Monty. They would continue their relationship for 27 years. Tom also loved his pets, during this time he got a dog named Brandy, a 100lb pit that he trained. Tommy could have that dog do anything from jumping on top of a refrigerator or standing still and walking 3 blocks and then having her come. After about a year or so they then moved from Minnesota to Sheboygan WI, where Tommy established his family. Five years after Monty, came Mason and seven years after that, came Makayla who he loved so very much and always wanted what’s best for her. These might have been his biological children but he brought many more children in, like his nephews and niece Logan, Gabby, Max and Garret (Monty and Logan’s best friend). He still continued his career in the trades through a company named APW where he went on to become a household name on commercial sites. Everyone while walking around the sites would always have to say, “Hey Tommy, how’s it going?” He had a way to be the most likable guy or the biggest asshole in the room if needed. After about 20 years of commercial work he decided to venture off on his own and work with his sons, nephews, and family in residential carpentry. It was a dream of Tommy’s to work beside his family everyday for the past five years. During his last year he adopted his dog Chole who became his best friend, she was a 120 lb white xl bully that he absolutely loved. No dogs compared to his Brandy or Chole. He loved these dogs unconditionally. He brought Chole everywhere and she was every clients favorite when they’d see her at the jobs. His later years in life he loved spending time with his grandchildren Tommy and Monty Jr. He’d spoil them with anything. Tom was a true family man, a true friend, a true mentor, and a true protector. Beloved by many because he always put others first, even before himself no matter what.

Tommy’s hobbies throughout the years always consisted of pool, poker and driving his cars or bikes. He also absolutely loved family events or family gathering always was the head chef cooking the meat. He was very passionate about helping people with anything because he always knew everything. It could be 3 am and he’d be there, never needed anything in return besides maybe a thank you. A people’s man, a family man, the best man to have in life.

Survivors include his mother, Anita Laabs; daughters, Samantha Schoenick and Makayla Mathis; sons, Monty and Mason Mathis; nephews, Logan and Max Mathis; niece, Gabby Mathis; grandchildren, Tommy, Monty Jr, and Maebelle Mathis, Ben and Theo Schoenick; siblings, Shawn and Shay DeGroat, Al Mathis, Mary Schumacker, Larry Laabs, David Rivers, Laura Paris, and Carrie Kreif.

He was preceded in death by his father Larry Laabs Sr. and his faithful companions, Brandy and Chloe.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 11, 2024 at 3:00 PM at Ballhorn Chapels Funeral & Cremation Care Center, 1201 N. 8^th St. Sheboygan, with Pastor Matthew Shive officiating.  Relatives and friends may visit with the family on Monday, March 11, 2024 from 1:00 PM until the time of service at the FUNERAL HOME.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Tommy’s name.