Thomas Dahlen Champion

Thomas Champion Obituary

Champion, Thomas Dahlen Age 82. Of Menomonee Falls, formerly of Milwaukee, died on May 16, 2011, in Mequon. Tom was an alumnus of Marquette University and held a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree. He taught English and speech at Washington High School and later became a counselor at the high school. He dedicated 36 years to hundreds of students. Tom was also a swimming coach and a football coach at Washington. Former students love to share stories about how he inspired them and influenced their lives. In 1976, he was awarded Marquette's Educator of the Year Award. Tom was an alderman in Glendale from 1974 to 1982. Politics was always one of his passions. He will be remembered for his gentle and kind nature, his love of books and poetry and lively conversations, and, above all, for his sense of humor. Tom was the funniest man many people knew. The day before he died, his son Bruce asked how he was doing. His reply: "I'm at the top of my game!" Tom is survived by his loving wife of sixty years, Lorraine; daughter Dawn Caballero, sons Bruce (Gail) Champion and Michael Champion, grandchildren Christian Caballero, Cory Champion Hannah Champion and Juliet Champion. Visitation Saturday, May 21, at the Funeral Home, from 11AM - 1PM. Memorials, if desired, to the charity of one's choice appreciated.

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on May 19, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Champion

11 Entries

Cleaster Jackdon

December 26, 2024

Today I write to honor my high school counselor Mr Tom Champion. I have shared my story with many. Mr Champion was an integral part of that story and the impact he has had on my life. My now 71 year old self also gives credit to Mr Champion who recommended me to the Upward Bound Program. Had it not been for Mr Champion taking a letter I had written as my mother´s lack of educational opportunities did not allow her the skills to write a readable letter. The letter asked that I be considered for the Upward Bound program. College was just an unobtainable dream, as no one I knew had been to college. I wanted to go because my best friends were going. Knowing that my parents were poor and my Dad worked hard to take care of a family of 9.
Upward Bound was a monumental turning point as I was able to earn not only a bachelor degree, but a masters and a doctorate degree.

Please family know what a hero he was to me.

Cleaster Jackson
Washington HS class of 1971

John Ernst

June 15, 2011

Tom was always a pleasure to be around. He was our class president [ Jan 1947 ] and an offensive guard on Blackbourns city championship football team. He will be missed.

Walker & Susan Young

May 23, 2011

Our condolences go out to the Champion family. Bruce, your dad will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Neil Gleason

May 21, 2011

I remember Tom as a rare adult who always took the time to ask a young boy what was on his mind. So gracefully did he beat me at chess that he inspired my lifelong love of the game. His never-ending political sparring against my father made the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon race more suspenseful than the fate of the Milwaukee Braves. And his relentless sense of humor kept our parents so enthralled that we kids had the run of the 51st St. duplex until we could no longer keep our eyes open.

My condolences to Lorraine, Dawn, Bruce and Mike. What an honor it was to have Tom as neighbor and teacher during my formative years.

Jack Zilavy

May 20, 2011

My sincere sympathies to all of Mr. Champion's family. He was truly one of the 'good guys' at Washington High School. An inspirational teacher as he was is never forgotten and I was priviledged to be one of his students in speech class at Washington ('58).

Al Tomson

May 19, 2011

My sympathy to you, Lorraine, and the family. I had the pleasure of sitting next to Tom at the Common Council meetings in Glendale. He was a great guy and a real positive force in the community. He will be missed by many.

Al & Carolyn Thompson

May 19, 2011

Tom was far and away one of the finest teachers in my long experience. He possessed that quality of excellence as an educator/counselor/teacher/friend too rare in this the 21st century.

May 19, 2011

As a student at Washington H.S., I was lucky enough to have Mr. Champion for English. I have wonderful memories of someone who had a terrific sense of humor along with a caring heart.
He truely was one of my favorite teachers.
My condolences,
Susan (Judy) Aaron Naimon
Class of "57"

Peter and Jill Hauck

May 19, 2011

Jill and I have fond memories of our time in Glendale. Tom always put the neighborhood first. What a great friend and neighbor. Our condolances go out to the entire Champion family.

Denny Sehmer

May 19, 2011

Mr. Champion was always a gentleman and someone you could always turn to and trust whenever you needed help or guidance. He will be missed by all of us who knew him.

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