Thomas J. Hibbard

Thomas Joseph Hibbard, Jr., 67, passed away unexpectedly Monday, July 12th. Born September 30, 1953, he was the son of Tom Hibbard, Sr. and Sharon (Drew) Hibbard. Both preceded him in death. He grew up in Milwaukee and Appleton, graduating from Appleton East in 1971 and serving honorably in the U.S. Air Force from 1972-1976. On January 20, 1978, Tom married the love of his life, Cheryl Spang, in Appleton. They remained happily married for 43 years. Having grown up in the bowling industry, Tom was an accomplished bowler, rolling several 300 games during his early adult years. He joined AT&T in 1979, where he held various positions throughout his career and moved his family to Milwaukee and Kenosha. He retired in 2019, and he and Cheryl returned to the Fox Valley late in 2020. Tom was always happiest up north on the water, family around him and fishing pole in hand. When Tom wasn’t fishing, you could often find him on the golf course or hunting with his brother and close friends. He spent many evenings around a bonfire with his extended family, laughing and sharing stories, and recognized the healing power of the Wisconsin Northwoods. A true Renaissance Man, Tom knew a little something about everything and was quick to assist with a crossword or to call out the correct answer when Jeopardy was on. He loved history and current events alike, and he and Cheryl made a daily ritual of drinking coffee and reading the paper. They loved to entertain, cooking everything from simple comfort food to gourmet spreads using the latest kitchen gadgets. Their friends and family would gather on Tom’s perfect lawn, knowing they’d go home with happy hearts and full stomachs. Vacations were also always special with Tom. He was meticulous in his research of cruise routes and fun excursions, always choosing the best suites, restaurants, and off-the-beaten-path shops.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Cheryl, Greenville, WI; his daughter Angela (Shane) McCully, Mount Horeb, WI; his son T.J. Hibbard III, Milwaukee, WI; three grandchildren – Maddox, Eireland “Lou,” and Sloane McCully, Mount Horeb, WI; his brother Jeff (Lisa Trembley) Hibbard, Appleton, WI; two sisters – Carrie (Steve) Holden, Green Bay, WI; and Laurie (Steve) Skotzke, Eagle River, WI; and Tom (Jean) Mavroff, Neenah, WI; as well as cousins Linda and Matt Hunter and friends Mark and Jasna, Moni and Wilson, and Larry. He is also survived by brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, other relatives, and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters – Linda Kay Hibbard, Patty Lynn Marcello, and Cindy Sue Arts, as well as four brothers-in-law.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Tom on Thursday August 5, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Sabre Lanes (1330 Midway Rd, Menasha, WI 54952).