(deceased 2/18/2020)
Thomas “Tom” Collin lost his battle with Alzheimer’s disease surrounded by the love of his family on February 18, 2020, age 75 of Milwaukee, WI.
Born on November 21, 1944, the son of a Naval Chaplain and Lutheran ELCA Pastor, Tom lived in many cities including Minneapolis, Brooklyn, and finally settling in Milwaukee. Tom also served on board the U.S.S. Coral Sea during the Vietnam War which was a source of pride and gave fodder for many stories he loved to tell. Tom’s thirst for knowledge led to a master’s degree at UW-Milwaukee and ultimately a fulfilling career at the Wisconsin Gas Company. He had a love of literature, botany, etymology, building computers, but nothing was more important than his family.
He was preceded in death by his wife Kelly, parents Tom and Peg, and his brother Eric. He is survived by his children Jenny (Dan), Maggy (Dan), and Katy (Matt); his grandchildren William, Charlie, Eleanor, Noelle, and Amelia; his siblings Carol (Jim), Marnie (Mike), Mark (Karen), Beth, and Sara (Roberto).
We are comforted in knowing that, at last, Tom Collin knows who Tom Collin is again.
Gathering will be held at the Funeral Home on, Saturday, February 29, 2020, from 2 – 3PM. Memorial Service at 3PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Comments
Tom was my very unlikely boyfriend for a while during our sophomore year. He stood 6'3" and I was a very short 5' plus no inches. He was gangly and cute, with curly brown hair, kind eyes, and a soft, deep voice. The romance ended, but not our friendship, and I kept somewhat in touch while he finished up his last two years at the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. He attended my wedding in Chicago in 1968, and I saw him a few times after that... including many years later when I lived in San Diego. Every few years I would talk to him on the phone, but not recently, and I was distressed to learn from Judy Gaskell during our 50th reunion that he was in a memory care facility. I don't know if it's better to go out quickly or fade away. Either way, I miss him.