Tom Wright

Sun Prairie - Walter Thomas "Tom" Wright, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at Oakwood Village East in Madison, Wisconsin. He was born in Stacyville, Iowa on May 11, 1921, the son of Walter Allen and Bess (Hanson) Wright. He attended the University of Iowa, then joined the U.S. Navy during WWII, where he served in the Pacific theatre, installing some of the first radar sites, and later served as an Ensign on a minesweeper. When on leave in San Francisco, he met the love of his life, Navy Wave Frances Roberts. They were married on Sept. 7, 1946. Tom graduated from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, Illinois and established an optometric practice in Toledo, Iowa. There they raised three children. Tom and Frances retired to Lake City, Minnesota and then to Oakwood Village East, Madison, Wisconsin. He enjoyed among many things fishing, hunting, woodworking, playing golf, and reading. In addition, he was a board member of the Toledo State Bank, the local library board, the country club board, and a member of the local Masonic Temple.

Tom is survived by his brother, Jack (Barbara) Wright; 2 sons, Robert (Catherine), Richard (Lynda); daughter, Ruth (Mark) Allee; 7 grandchildren, Andrew (Melissa Westphal), Erin (Jason) Parker, Jason (Ariana), Mary (Michael Hayden), Stephanie, and Joseph Wright, Spencer Allee; 4 great grandchildren, Greta and Marin Wright and Callie and Daniel Parker; and special friends, Donna and George Nielander. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Frances and a sister, Barbara Wright.

A graveside service will be held at SUN PRAIRIE MEMORY GARDENS, 1147 Clarmar Drive, Sun Prairie, on Saturday, April 20, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. David J. Berggren officiating.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to The Oakwood Foundation, 6201 Mineral Point Rd, Madison, WI 53705.