Obituaries

As my uncle he was a quiet man when I was younger. But when he did speak of you listened ever so closely he was so full of knowledge and always willing to help teach you something new. Uncle Tom and Auntie Roseanne always opened their home to my brother and me. From sleep overs to dinners good times and bad. I will always remember how loving and helpful he was. I will always miss him.

Mike and I worked with Tom at the Lacy Garden for 10 years. We grew to admire his knowledge, dedication, and sense of humor. Planting season may have been the most fun. Tom drove a small tractor that towed a two seated machine that drilled a hole and watered the new plant. Gardeners worked quickly to fill the hole with a plant before the water came. Tom was always looking for ways to make money for the garden. For a couple years he really wanted a corn maze. He was always asking if we knew anyone with a corn field. For a couple years we harvested apples after the orchard was closed to the public. Tom loved the garden and loved thinking of ways to make it better. He never begrudged us taking vacation but all he wanted for himself was two or three Brewers Games. I send condolences to Roseann, Kirk, and Caneal. Tom will be missed by many. Kathy Meehan

Tom was a kind and gracious man. Volunteering at the Lacy gardens was a matter of showing up and having him guide us through what needed to be done. No experience was needed, and still isn't. Tom, along with other key founders of MAFPG, had a vision of providing vegetables to food pantries through the work of volunteers. Their knowledge of planting and planning has benefited many many people with a bountiful crop of fresh food, contributing to their health and well being And behind every good man is a strong woman.... That's you, Rose Ann. Blessings on you both.

I am sorry that I will miss Tom's funeral. I have known Tom for 9 years: first in his capacity as the Garden Leader at the Lacy Garden and then in his role as the President of Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens, Inc. He dedicated his retirement years to the Lacy Garden, St. Vincent de Paul, and MAFPG. Could he and should he have reduced his charitable workload? Probably, but he could not do so. MAFPG expanded from a budget of $15,000 a year to over $200,000 a year during his twenty year leadership. During his tenure, MAFPG bought a fifteen acre parcel with two houses, a barn, and sheds where thousands of pounds of vegetables are now grown. The number of volunteers now working at the gardens has grown from maybe a hundred workers to upwards of two thousand individuals. His firm leadership will be missed. He was patient with the volunteers who became capable growers even without previous garden experience. He organized solid teams who tilled, planted, weeded, and harvested produce during the spring, summer, and fall. We cannot forget winter when Tom would plan for the summer season. He recruited able people to act as leaders who will continue Lacy Garden and MAFPG. I salute Rose Ann who nursed him through his illnesses. She was attentive, dedicated and patient through a difficult time for the family. My heart goes out to her, Kirk, and Caneal. Mike Kepler

Tom taught me how to drive a tractor. We laughed a lot together at Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens. He made me feel welcomed and appreciated. My life and so many others are better because Tom was a part of it. I'm really grateful for him and miss him very much.

Tom was a great co-worker in Juneau County. He will be missed

Our prayers are with his wonderful family. I had the privilege of working with Tom at UW Extension where his expertise, experience and mission of helping others was on display for all of us, and the citizens of Wisconsin. May he rest in peace!