Thomas Whitlow

Thomas Michael Whitlow III passed away at home on January 25, 2026, in Hartland, Wisconsin at the age of 71. Born on July 26, 1954, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Thomas lived a life filled with faith, love, and an enduring passion for his family, his work, and his friends.

Thomas was a third-generation locksmith and a lifelong entrepreneur whose resourcefulness and determination led to the creation of several successful businesses: Aaron's Security, Aaron's Plumbing, Aaron's Locksmith, and Locksmith 360. His entrepreneurial spirit was matched only by his fascination with technology. From the early days of party lines to the advent of smartphones, Thomas embraced every technological advancement with enthusiasm. He was known for carrying multiple phones at once—always ready to tackle business challenges or explore new ideas.

Thomas' hobbies reflected his zest for life and his curious mind. An avid sports fan, he was a diehard Green Bay Packers supporter who loved attending games at Lambeau Field with friends like Tim or Randy. Whether cheering on the Milwaukee Brewers or the Milwaukee Bucks or shouting "and that's another Packers' first down!" he brought passion to every game he watched. Beyond sports, Thomas delighted in online research, often diving deep into obscure topics to provide answers or solve puzzles for family and friends. He had an uncanny ability to find information at a moment’s notice.

Yahtzee was another of Thomas' great joys. Whether rolling dice the old-fashioned way or competing against online opponents (both human and computer), he relished every game. His love of technology naturally extended to digital photography as well. In 2005, when he proposed to Bobbi he captured it with a digital camera selfie 5 years before the rest of the world began —a testament to his creativity and ingenuity. Starting on August 18, 2024, Thomas began taking daily selfies kissing Bobbi—a tradition that continued until his final day. These 525 continuous photos now serve as a cherished reminder of their love.

Thomas' faith was central to his life. A man of God who embodied values of faith, hope, and love, he found strength in his spiritual journey and shared that strength with others. He believed deeply in God’s grace and salvation and trusted in the promise of being reunited with loved ones in time. Even in moments of doubt about his own worthiness, Tom’s unwavering belief in God guided him through life’s challenges.

Those who knew Thomas remember him as funny, kind-hearted, loving, and generous—a man whose compassion and selflessness left a lasting impact on everyone he met. He was a great listener whose valuable opinions were sought after by many. His humility and honesty made him approachable; his altruism made him unforgettable.

Thomas also had a unique presence that endeared him to children wherever he went. With his Santa Claus-like appearance and warm demeanor, he could light up a room with just a smile or a twinkle in his eye. Whether walking through crowded streets in the United States or traveling abroad in Canada, the Caribbean, or Japan, children would often gaze at him in awe until he disappeared from sight—a magical quality that perfectly captured his essence.

Thomas is survived by his devoted wife of 20 years, Bobbi, his children Jayme Rudoll (Dave), Steve Whitlow, Rick Heimann, Dane Heimann, Maria Iseki (Miru), Jayme Fettback (Derek), and Baron Paccagnan (Kristin); his grandchildren Austin Whitlow, Brady and Hannah Rudoll; Kallie and Kade Heimann; Dominic Heimann; Kasey, Isaac, and Genevieve Paccagnan; and Adrienne and Elise Paccagnan. Thomas will also be missed by his brother, three sisters, nephews and nieces, other family, and many dear friends. Thomas' love for his family and friends was boundless. His legacy lives on through them and the countless memories they shared together.

Preceded in death by his parents Thomas Whitlow II and Joan Whitlow; his sister Eileen Gill (Jim); his brother Jim Whitlow; in-laws Donald and Glenda Hlady; and his close friend Randy Shesto (Francoise); Thomas is now reunited with them in eternal peace.

Thomas' life was one of purpose and joy—a testament to the power of faith, family, and determination. His memory will forever bring comfort to those who knew him.

His lord said unto him, “Well done, good and faithful servant (…) enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”
(Matthew 25:23)

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 28, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Elmbrook Church Chapel - Brookfield 777 S Barker Rd. If you cannot attend in person, we invite you to join us via livestream to celebrate Thomas’ life. https://control.resi.io/webplayer/video.html?id=3c29c2ed-3920-4be7-9bec-d355270be71e.
A Visitation will be held on February 28, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Elmbrook Church Chapel - Brookfield 777 S Barker Rd