Obituaries
Thomas "Tom" Parslow
November 05, 1942 - June 30, 2024
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Obituary For Thomas "Tom" Parslow
Madison – Thomas “Tom” Parslow, age 81, of Madison, formally of Mauston, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Madison. Tom was born on November 5, 1942, in River Falls, Wisconsin, to the late John and Marie (Haugh) Parslow.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Rose Ann (Dischler) Parslow, and their sons, Kirk and Caneal. He is also survived by his brother, James (Marlene) Parslow. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brother, John Parslow, and sister, Mary Parslow Smith.
Tom received his education at Oak Knoll Rural School and St. Bridget’s Grade School in River Falls. He later graduated from River Falls High School and earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
Throughout his career, Tom dedicated 37 years to education, serving as a vocational agriculture educator at Wonewoc High School and Mauston High School. He also worked as the Juneau County Agriculture Agent and State Program Leader at UW-Extension.
Tom was an active member of Our Lady Queen of Peace, where he worshipped. He found great joy in his involvement with the church and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Madison. Tom’s faith was an integral part of his life.
In his free time, Tom enjoyed various hobbies. He was actively engaged in his church and volunteered his time with the Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens. Tom’s commitment to helping others through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was admirable and inspiring.
A viewing will be held at 10:00am on Friday, July 12, 2024, at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S Owen Drive, Madison. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00am and will be presided by Fr. Brian Wilk. A luncheon will follow the service at the church, for those who wish to participate, while the immediate family members attend the burial at St. Luke’s Cemetery in in Plain Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens (http://foodpantrygardens.org/donate.html) and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (https://svdpmadison.org/donate) in Madison.
Tom Parslow will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His legacy of kindness, dedication, and service will continue to inspire others for generations to come. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
5701 Odana Road
608-274-1000
Services
Visitation
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
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Condolences
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July 04, 2024
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
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July 04, 2024
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.
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July 03, 2024
Tom was a great co-worker in Juneau County. He will be missed
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July 03, 2024
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!
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