Thomas Kroehn

MIDDLETON-Thomas A Kroehn, aged 82, passed away on December 7, 2016, peacefully in his sleep at his home at Waunakee Manor. Born on July 16, 1934 to William and Anna (Radeztsky) Kroehn in Milwaukee, where he grew up and attended Custer High School, and where he met his best friend and future wife, Carol Herbst. Tom served in the Army from 1954-56, as a surveyor in the Artillery Guided Missile Unit, including time in Germany. Upon his honorable discharge, he and Carol were married, and they remained happily married until Carol's death in April of 2013.

Tom earned a degree in Civil Engineering from UW-Madison in 1959. He worked first for the City of Milwaukee, and in 1966 began his career with the State of Wisconsin. After ten years in various programs protecting water quality, he was promoted to lead the state's Environmental Programs in Madison. Tom retired from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in 1992.

Tom was a loving and fully devoted husband, father and friend. He cherished time with his family and friends, most of all adventuring with Carol during their retirement. Tom's passions included geology, hunting, trapshooting, woodworking, tennis, golf and garage sales. He approached his work, his hobbies and his life with a sense of wonder, dedication and passion. He was a member of Midvale Community Lutheran Church.

To his family, Tom was known as Big Guy, for his tall stature and inquisitive personality. He is survived by his loving children, Kathleen (David) Krause, Mary Ann (Brian) Buenzow and Jim (Dawn) Kroehn. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Rachel (Isaac), Ashley (Adam), Justin, Clara, Emma, Marie and Rory. He is further survived by his brother Gerald Kroehn and sister-in-law Jane Gundlach. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Carol ("Brown-eyes"), brother-in-law Ted Gundlach and sister-in-law Patricia Kroehn.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2017, at 11 a.m. at Midvale Community Lutheran Church, 4329 Tokay Blvd, Madison, WI 53711. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, Tom suggested memorials be made to the UW Carbone Cancer Center or Midvale Community Lutheran Church.

Cress Center
6021 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
608-238-8406