Thomas E. Waddell

Thomas E. Waddell of Grafton, WI passed away peacefully at the Lawlis Family Hospice in Mequon on Wednesday, March 28, 2018. He was 85 years old. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Dorothy (nee Abbott) Waddell. Tom was born September 3, 1932 in Big Rapids, MI., The son of George and Stella (nee Ozminski) Waddell. After graduating from Big Rapids High School in 1950, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1950 – 1954 and was a Korean War Veteran serving in The Commander Amphibious Force –Pacific Fleet. Upon completion of his military service with an honorable discharge, Tom enrolled at Ferris State College and graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. He then began a successful Sales Management and Marketing career in the Insurance and Brewing Industries, to include 23 years with the Pabst Brewing Company. Tom was a devout Christian, volunteering to call on the sick in need and delivering communion to the home bound. He was a member of The Legion of Mary and American Legion Posts in Michigan, Iowa and Wisconsin, including The Rose-Harms Post 355, located in Grafton, Wisconsin. He was a sports and history enthusiast who also enjoyed playing cards and performing magic tricks for his grandchildren. He will always be remembered as a gentleman and bringing a smile to those he interacted with. He was a great husband, father and grandfather and will be deeply missed. Tom is survived by his wife Dorothy, sons; Steven, Timothy, Scott and daughter; Susan (Anthony) Marx. He is further survived by his grandchildren; Amanda, Aimee, Angela, Ross, Ryan and Jolie, along with many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 21, 2018 at St. Joseph Parish, 1619 Washington St, Grafton, WI 53024. Visitation will take place at St. Joseph from 9:30 – 11:00am followed by a Christian Burial Service and Military Honors. Private inurnment at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Hartford, WI. Memorials to St. Joseph Catholic Church appreciated.