Thomas Papenthien

WAUNAKEE- Tom passed away December 1, 2015. He died in peace at his home in Waunakee, WI. Tom was 60 years old.

He is survived by his son Austin and his brother Ted. Austin is a senior at Edgewood College where he competes on the varsity soccer and tennis teams. Tom joins in heaven his parents Mary Lichtfeldt Papenthien and Thomas Roy Papenthien, Sr.

Tom was a deeply loving and devoted father. His greatest joys were spending time with his son Austin and watching him participate in sports. Like Tom's father, Tom was an accomplished athlete and was a top ranked tennis player who competed while attending Ripon College. Tom had a terrific sense of humor and he could always make those around him laugh in any situation. Like his grandfather, Clarence Lichtfeldt, Tom was a successful and passionate banker. Tom began his 40 year career in banking in Milwaukee and recently retired from Bankers Bank in Madison where he served as CEO and President. Tom was deeply respected across the banking industry in Wisconsin and the Midwest with decades long relationships with the client banks he served. He was respected not only for his banking acumen, but equally for the close personal relationships he forged with the various bankers and their communities. Tom earned his MBA from Washington University in St. Louis and was a Chartered Financial Analyst. Tom enjoyed the outdoors where he loved to ski and golf with his brother, son and many friends. His zest for life included enthusiasm for exploring the Upper Peninsula while boating, four wheeling and cross country skiing.

In lieu of flowers, Tom would appreciate donations in his name to the Milwaukee Art Museum for children's education, which will complement gifts made for his mother where she was passionate about introducing youth to the world of fine art. A private memorial service is being scheduled.


Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Highway Q, Waunakee
(608) 849-4513