Thomas E. Traeder

Thomas Edward Traeder, age 76, passed away on Friday, July 5, 2013. He was born on June 28, 1937 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, the son of the late Agnes and Edward Traeder. He graduated from Rhinelander High School in 1955, and served proudly in the United States Air Force. He worked for the Rhinelander Paper Mill and United States Forest Service. Later, he moved to Milwaukee and for the last 19 years in Appleton, where he worked as a handyman, AODA counselor, caregiver, special-needs driver, and landlord.

Tom will be dearly missed by his son, Scot (Denyse) Traeder and daughter, Tammy (Brian) French; grandchildren, Truman and Emma Traeder, Will, Joy and Nicholas French; siblings, Ken Traeder, Charles “Butch” (Judy) Traeder, Mary (Edward) Monroe, and several nieces and nephews. His family wishes to extend thanks to the staff of the VA Medical Centers in Appleton and Milwaukee; special friends Gayelynn Tomaschefsky and Mark and Noreen French; and thoughtful neighbors who provided support and care.

In Tom's earlier years he loved hockey, tennis, deer hunting, and driving his motorcycle. Later, his interests included woodworking and other crafts. Tom would want you to remember this quote, which he found particularly meaningful: “What you do, what you say, what you are, may help others in ways you never know. Your influence – like your shadow – extends where you may never be.” (unknown author)

A memorial service for Tom will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2013, at the WICHMAN FUNERAL HOME, 537 N. Superior Street, Appleton. Visitation will be held at the Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Tom's name.