Thomas F. Owen

Thomas F. Owen passed in peace on Saturday, November 26, 2022, at the age of 82. He was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Barbara, his parents Frank and Elizabeth Owen, his brother Joseph Owen, and his sister Mary Steiner; he is survived by his brother, Michael Owen. He was the loving father of 5 children: Sharon (Michael) McKilligin, Wendy (Philip) Paul, Anthony Owen, Kelly (Alan) Birschbach, and Nikia (José) Castro and was loved dearly by his 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Tom was born and raised in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Upon graduation from high school, Tom served in the 82^nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army, spending time in Europe during his service. He later worked shiftwork as a web offset pressman at George Banta Co. for 36 years and served as the alderman for the City of Menasha for 18 years. He was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, though most of the time he would never predict his own team to win. His children will remember him most for the water fights in the backyard, pillow extravaganza, candy bars and soda for benediction on Sunday, and sharing a brandy old-fashioned sweet with extra olives at his favorite supper club. His grandchildren will hold tight to the memories of his five-pushing strategy in the game of cribbage, his willingness to offer a dollar every time he saw a stuffed animal claw machine, and the breakfast of champions at Grandpa’s house: cheeseballs, ice cream cups, vanilla wafers, and Manderfield’s donuts. He will be remembered by all for his harmonious birthday calls, grand generosity, and “sassy as ever” attitude, and his legacy will live on through hugs and Hershey Kisses.

Visitation will be held at the Wichmann Funeral Home – Laemmrich Chapel. Located at 312 Milwaukee Street in Menasha on Friday, December 9, 2022, from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 1:00 PM.  Burial will follow the service at St. John’s Cemetery in Menasha.

For anyone who knew Tom, his final instructions were, "put me in the ground and have a party". Please join us for beverages, food, and memories at Waverly Beach Bar and Grille on Friday, beginning at 3:00 PM.