Thomas Trubshaw

Thomas Steven Trubshaw

May 7, 1955 - November 2, 2024

Thomas Steven Trubshaw, "Steve" or "Stretch" as referred to by his Fire Service comrades and the thousands of fire students he taught, passed away quietly at home on November 2, 2024, after a long battle with COPD. His faith was a constant in his life and he quietly felt God's presence being in the outdoors.

Steve was born in Minneapolis, MN on May 7, 1955 to Ted and Agnes (Hogan) Trubshaw. Steve spent his youth in Minnesota during the school year and spent summers in Northern Wisconsin at Sugarbush Resort, on Island Lake on the Three Lakes Chain. Steve's father built a wonderful home, named Northolm, where the family moved when Steve was in eighth grade. Steve completed schooling at Three Lakes High School in 1973. He obviously played basketball with his 6'7" frame, thus "Stretch".

His adventures in Three Lakes focused almost solely on the outdoors. He would take his small boat around the corner to work at the marina when he was only 10 years old. Hunting, fishing, boating and water sports were his passion. His mischievous adventures from his youth usually involved his cousin and best friend Ed.

After graduation he attended UW-Eau Claire for a short while before entering the workforce. His main occupation was designing and installing lawn sprinkler systems for residential, commercial and sporting venues, in his own company. However, his passion was firefighting and EMS. He joined Chippewa Fire Protection District and served for 21 years out of the Wheaton Station. On CFPD he rose to the level of Deputy Chief. Steve also served on Eagle Point Fire Department for over 10 years.

His love of the fire service inspired him to teach for Chippewa Valley Technical College for over 30 years. He also taught for other colleges, including teaching at the infamous Tomahawk Fire School. Live fire training and ladder work were his favorite topics. The fire service brought Steve and his wife Marcy Bruflat together. They were married in 2015 and purchased a home on a small lake in Chippewa County. It was the perfect "earthly" heaven with woods, water and wildlife.

Steve and Marcy had many adventures, typically to Northolm, for snowmobiling, water sports, enjoying the seasons with an occasional Nerf gun war, guitar hero battle and winery tours. They created friendships that last a lifetime.

Steve had a soft spot in his heart for his canine companions, Loki, Loki 2, Casey, Newton, his special yellow lab Wheeler, Max, Hogan and finally Danny Boy.

It would be remiss to not mention his fire service family, the dedicated brothers and sisters on the departments he served, the many tight knit fire instructors who taught alongside him and the thousands of students he impacted over the years. These forged bonds will never be forgotten.

Steve was preceded in death by his father Ted Trubshaw, mother Agnes (Hogan) Trubshaw, in-laws, Carl and Millie Hensel and charming nephew Dan Hensel. Steve is survived by his devoted wife Marcy, son Mike Trubshaw and grandson Trenton, step children Christopher (Nicole) Marohl, Michael (Nicole) Marohl, his Irish family cousins Ed (Deb Schneider) Crean, Michelle (Jim) Crean Stellner, Patrick (Linda) Crean and Shannon Connell, brothers-in -law Jim (Linda) Hensel, Ken (Laurie) Hensel, Al (Betsy) Hensel, Thinakorn (Kannika) Assaratanakul, his numerous nieces and nephews and dear friends Terry and Joe Snow.

He was truly in love with his four spunky, enthusiastic, loving grandchildren, Henry and Mira Marohl and Maverick and Stella Marohl.

Steve's family thanks all who have supported and loved Steve throughout his life, especially the past four years. A special thank you to his primary doctor, Dr. Erik Dickson, and the Oakleaf Medical Clinic staff.

A "Gathering" will be held in spring after Steve's date of birth at the home of Marcy and Steve. All will be welcome. The event will be posted on social media and sent to as many as possible when arrangements are made.

Memorials can be sent to the family for a charity to be named at a later date.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.