Thomas Grade

Thomas E. Grade, 70, passed away unexpectedly on September 28, 2024, in Menasha, WI. He was born on June 20, 1954, to Thomas and Jean (Bretthauer) Grade.

Tom graduated from Menasha High School in 1972 then went to college at University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh and transferred to University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee in 1974. He took some time off to travel the world for artistic inspiration and came back to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in 1979. He spent some time teaching art and residencies on and off for 20 years while doing his freelance art and traveling worldwide to teach art. He has art pieces all over the Fox Valley, the Appleton Medical Center, the Menasha Public Library, the Champion Sports Complex, Community First, Fox Cities Exhibition Center, and many more locations with private collections outside of Wisconsin and globally. He also loved to cook and garden.

Tom spent 6 years as a politician in Menasha, from 2018 to 2024. His areas of service include Common Council, 2018-2024, Alderman Member to Plan Commission, 2023 – 2024, Alternate Alderman Member to Plan Commission, 2018 – 2023, and Landmarks Commission, 2010 – 2024.

Tom is survived by his mother Jean, siblings: Joe (Shirley) Grade, Laura (Don) Depner, Theresa (Mark) Miller, Ted Grade, Shirley (Bill) Ernst, Ann (Marty) Van Hammond, Tony (Megan) Grade, Steve (Susan) Grade, and Scott (Melissa) Grade; many cherished nieces and nephews, close friends and relatives, and an artist community that spreads far and wide.

He is preceded in death by his father Thomas Grade Sr. and nephew Alden Grade.

A celebration of life will be held at Waverly Beach Bar & Grille at N8770 Fire Lane 1, Menasha WI 54952 on October 13, 2024, from 1-5pm.