Thomas Alvin Titzkowski

Thomas (Tom) Alvin Titzkowski, age 74, of Combined Locks, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2024 at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee surrounded by his family, following an unexpected and sudden return of cancer. Tom was the recipient of a successful stem cell transplant that gave him two additional years of precious time with family and friends after his initial cancer diagnosis.
Born on June 9, 1950, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to the late Alvin and Ruth (Hecker) Titzkowski, Tom grew up with his sister, Jill (Titzkowski) Backus. On December 30, 1973, he married the love of his life, Carol (Clark) Titzkowski, and together they shared a deep and enduring partnership for 51 beautiful years.
Tom had a successful career in safety and education, where he was truly a teacher at heart. His knowledge, wisdom, and commitment to helping others were hallmarks of his character. He was a steadfast protector of his family and friends, always putting their safety and well-being first.
Tom had many talents and passions, from music and fishing to travel and sports. He was a member of the Drum & Bugle Corps, and refereed and coached basketball and Little League baseball. His inquisitive nature led him to enjoy researching a wide range of topics. However, his greatest joy and pride came from his family. Tom was devoted in many roles: as a son, brother, husband, father, grandpa, and friend. He and Carol formed an inseparable team, supporting each other through life's journey with love, laughter, and mutual respect. Tom was the proud father of three daughters, whom he supported in every way, often with apparel that matched the occasion. He was an adoring Opa to his five grandchildren, and his greatest joy came from spending time with them-playing, being silly, and watching them grow and thrive. Every milestone they reached was a testament to the love and pride he had for them.
Tom deeply cherished the time spent with family and friends, always valuing the connections he made and the memories they shared.
Tom will be greatly missed by his treasured friends and loving family: wife: Carol Titzkowski; daughters and their husbands/partners: Ellen (Titzkowski) Boldt & David Boldt, Laura Titzkowski & Bjorn Schalburg, Ann (Titzkowski) Farber & Dan Farber; grandchildren: Henry & Peter Boldt, Amelia Rodgers, and William & Benjamin Farber; sister: Jill (Titzkowski) Backus; aunt Tammy Hecker and her children and grandchildren; brother-in-law: Bill Clark; sisters-in-law: Sue Clark and Connie Clark; niece: Katherine Clark Cohen; nephews: Dan and Matt Clark. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Ruth Titzkowski, Carol's parents, Starr and Bonita Clark, brother-in-law, Larry Backus; and uncle Carroll Hecker.
We would like to give special thanks to Dr. Shah and his oncology team at Froedtert; Dr. Michael VanAbel, Toms' primary care physician and his team; and the Neuro ICU team at Froedtert for the compassionate care they gave Tom and our family.
A celebration of Tom's life will be held at 11:00 AM, on Monday, December 30, 2024, with visitation from 9:30-11 AM at First English Lutheran Church-North Site (6331 N Ballard Rd, Appleton, Wisconsin). Following the service, a luncheon will be held, providing an opportunity for Tom's loved ones to come together with friends and family to share memories.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Kathy's House (Tom and Carol's home away from home during Tom's treatment in Milwaukee), the Leukemia And Lymphoma Society or First English Lutheran Church.