F. Thomas Ament

1937 - 2014

Ament, F. Thomas Francis Thomas Ament let go of our hands and took the hand of God on Monday, March 10, 2014. Tom was born November 17, 1937 in Milwaukee to Frank and Jean (Hildegard Neubauer) Ament. He is survived by his loving wife, Darla Hium, sons Christopher and Peter (Deanna), daughter Jennifer (Mark) Moeller, grandchildren Emily, Lizzy and Joey Ament, sister Joanne (Chuck) Peters, and the "in-laws", Donna Hium, JoAnn (Jerry Gougé) Hium and Peggy (Wayne) Turnquist. Further survived by Anne Brannon and family, Jeanne Ament and nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, step-father Elmer Mathwig and father-in-law Ken Hium. Tom was a "Triple M" (Marquette High '55, Marquette School of Business '59, and Marquette Law School '62). Tom was a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force Reserves, serving in the 440th during the Cuban Missile Crisis. But Tom was most known for his public service (Milwaukee County Board '68-'92, including chairman from '76 - '92, Milwaukee County Executive '92 - '02). Tom loved his family and spent many hours in the stands or on the sidelines of many games and in the audience at many plays and concerts - both for his children and grandchildren. He knew how to celebrate Christmas, reveling in the festivities, especially the gift giving. He delighted in finding the perfect mementos while traveling and sharing them and his stories with the entire family. Tom had a passion for serving the people of Milwaukee County, whether creating needed programs and services including social service programs, the parks system or the Milwaukee County Transit System or "getting the deal done" on major projects like the Calatrava and Art Museum, Miller Park, Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, Milwaukee Public Museum and Discovery World. He was, however, most proud of his role in the creation of the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center. Tom lived his Jesuit education delighting in service to others. In his retirement, he volunteered as a civics teacher at the International Learning Center, mentor for Nativity Jesuit Middle School, tax preparer for AARP and reading assistant for 1st graders at Walnut School. He will be missed by his family, friends, co-workers and golfing buddies. We would like to thank Dr. Santana-Davila and his staff, the Froedtert 4NW nursing staff and the incredible staff at Zilber Family Hospice for their compassionate care for Tom and us. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Gesu Church (W. Wisconsin Ave. at N. 12th St. in Milwaukee) on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at 11AM with the family greeting friends at church from 9AM until time of Mass. Free, off-street parking will be available at the Marquette University Wells Street parking structure at 1240 W. Wells St. A private interment will be held at a later date at Wauwatosa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Ann's Center for Intergenerational Care, Divine Savior Holy Angels High School, Marquette University High School, Zilber Family Hospice or a charity of your choice. "I think Grandpa kicked lung cancer in the teeth." Joey Ament, 3/10/14 Brett Funeral Home (414) 342-0692