Thomas Ronald Herrling Sr.

Thomas Ronald Herrling, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI. Tom was born on February 6, 1942, to Wilbert and Adeline (Hanusa) Herrling in Madison, WI.

He attended Madison West High school and then worked as an Insulator for All Temp Insulation. He married Judith Bushey in 1962 and had two children, Deanne and Thomas, Jr. Later in life, he married Jean (Freitag) and had a third child, Caroline. He started his own business, New Tech Insulation, in 1992, until retiring in 2013.

Tom was admired for his infectious sense of humor and exceptional joke-telling skills. He loved traveling, weekend boating and picnics on Lake Mendota, camping at Lake George, driving his corvette and spending time with family with friends.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jean; his children Deanne Herrling (Nikolaus Leese), Thomas Herrling, Jr., (Beth Prochaska) and Caroline Herrling; six grandchildren, Joshua Sharpee (Meghan), Stephanie Sharpee, Madelyn Seiler, Whitnee Otto (Leighton), Jordann Sorensen (Reed), Sydnee Devine (Eric), Rebecca Prochaska (Jason) and Ben Hudzinski (Shaa); seven great grandchildren, Aspyn and Brooks Otto, Coleson, Brody and Breyson Sorensen, Luke Devine and Maddie Hudzinski. He is also survived by his “other” daughter, Leah Uhlenake.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbert and Adeline, his brother Richard and sister Barbara Bowen.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 6th from 5 to 8pm at Cress Funeral Home, 6021 University Ave., Madison. A private burial at Sunset Memory Gardens will be held at a later date.   Please wear casual, bright, or Hawaiian themed to celebrate Tom's life.

The family would like to graciously thank Agrace Hospice for their exceptional and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agrace Hospice at 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711, https://www.agrace.org/donate/.

Cress Center

608-238-8406