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Thomas Shepard Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Shepard
Thomas Peterson
November 16, 2008
Tom, you will be missed, dearly. I miss your bearded smile and great attitude. No matter what, you were always positive, smiling, and friendly. You had your moments - you could be a bear, but your heart was golden. Thank you for the happy memories. You told people I was your best friend. I was your friend, and I always wished you the best. Hated chance cut short your golden years- a time full of change and challenge. Your personality would have pulled you through to a new beginning. You will sorely be missed, my good friend- my old buddy.
Thomas, Tommy, to you.
Sybaris employee
Steve Petersen
November 5, 2008
I had the honor of being Toms barber for sometime. I always enjoyed our chat sessions and just wanted the family know he will be sincerely missed by many people. My sincere sympathy.
Tracy Sherman
November 4, 2008
Elizabeth and Meg, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. Love, TRACY
Bob Mallon
November 2, 2008
my condolances to the shepard family especailly to meg and elizibeth your father was a very giving man, im sorry to hear of his passing. thank you for your support when my mom passed, my prayers are with you, and if i can do anything for you im never far.
Tasha (Shepard) McFarland
November 2, 2008
Dearest Elizabeth and Our Family, I have so many fond memories of watching 4th of July fireworks with Uncle Shep. He'll still be watching, but with a different view. We miss him terribly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Elizabeth.
Chuck Shepard
November 1, 2008
Thank you everyone for submitting these kinds words and for so many of you attending the wake and/or funeral. It was like having an Elkhart Ave., WFB, Milwaukee and Up North reunion. Although I have lived in Oregon for over 35 years my connection to Wisconsin was always through Tom's places and it was there I met many of you. I would be happy to hear from any of you who would like an update on Pam's or my life in Oregon. We are now both out here in the recreation business. Check out www.hoodoo.com.
Bonnie M
October 30, 2008
Dear Shep,
So sudden, I couldn't believe it. That is how fast our precious life can be taken away...I didn't know you for very long, but you seemed to know how to make every day count and live life to its fullest. You had a love for your fellow friend and put that person before you, always. It is true, as I read in another entry...your smile was contagious. You will truly be missed. May you be at peace where you are now and spread your joyous outlook up there the way you did when you were down here. Goodbye...
David Pauley
October 30, 2008
Tommy,
There are just no words to express how sad this news has made me. I have known Tom for almost 35 years and have been introduced to some of the most wonderful people by Tom. Be at peace my friend!!
Shannon Harrigan
October 30, 2008
Elizabeth,
I am so sorry for you loss. My thoughts are with you.
Cathy Cowen
October 30, 2008
My heart hurts to hear this sad news. Please accept my deepest sympathies. When you were looking for fun all you had to do was find Tom, but you already knew that. I dated Tom during his "college year" and he was my knight in shining armour on several occasions, always lending a helping hand. I ran into him again about five years ago when I was visiting my ill father, Earl Bates, just before he passed away. Tom made my dad feel so special that day and I will never forget him for that. I always thought I would see my old sweetheart again.
Cathy Bates Cowen
Mary Strong
October 30, 2008
Pam, I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Sincerely, Mary Strong
Frank & Dawn Raspante
October 29, 2008
R.I.P. "Shep" you were always a good guy.
anonymous
October 29, 2008
I was an employee of Toms at Brew city in Mequon. He is in a better place now. My condolences to the family.
Deanna Montgomery
October 29, 2008
Tom was one of a kind. I have many fond memories of him & the stories he used to tell. My condolences to the family. May his memories & God help you through this time of sorrow.
Deanna Montgomery
DAVID RUBIN JR
October 29, 2008
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I WAS SO SAD TO HEAR ABOUT TOM. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHETHER THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO TO HELP DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
I AM HERE FOR YOU ELIZABETH!
Gary Gerlach
October 29, 2008
You have been a true friend for more years than I care to remember...however it seems that I was the only guy in town who consistantly lost football bets to you! Some friend you were:):) Remember writing the spreads on a napkin and all the handwringing before the picks? Alright give me one more chance...I'll set the spread on the Titan-Packer game. Titans favored by 7.5...whose your pick? You set the over/under and I will pick. $50 on each. Get back to me soon...Lots of love from Gary G. and family Jill, Jason, David and Jennifer
Mary Pat Altenbern
October 29, 2008
My deepest sympathies to Tom's family. He is another one of Milwaukee's institutions and will be fondly remembered by many! I'm sure Ron has a spot waiting for him. Godspeed, Tom.
Nancy Kaufer
October 29, 2008
Dear Chuck and Pam,
Our cousin Beth in Milwaukee informed Martha of the terrible news. I cannot express how deeply shocked and saddened I am. Our childhood was made so much happier with you as our neighbors. My heart goes out to you and I can only hope you find peace and comfort knowing that Tom is with your parents. My love to you,
Nancy
Elizabeth Shepard
October 29, 2008
Dad, I am having a tough time today. You always promised me you would live to be 100! Thank you to everyone for sharing your stories, they fill me with joy. I will see you later today Dad. Love you- Elizabeth
Martha (Mardie) Siegel (Kaufer)
October 29, 2008
I am absolutely devastated. Of all of Tom's friends, I have the honor of knowing him the longest. We were neighbors on Elkhart Avenue. When we were both in kindergarten, the schools were closed for a chicken pox epidemic, and Tom and I played along the wire fence between our two yards, he on his side, and I on my side. We played for days among the plantings and the dirt.
Then there was the time that Tom decided he wanted to see just how deep a hose could go into the ground if you kept the water running at full blast and kept pushing it deeper as the water washed away a path.
It certainly set a world record, and I believe his Mom resorted to cutting the hose off and leaving it there. Can you hear her yelling?
Then, we made "forts" of leaves in the fall, and fake bonfires with a flashlight in the bottom shining up. Also, there were Fourth of July parades with popsicles, and hide-and-seek on warm fall evenings.
My condolences to Chuck and his family and Pam and her family. And, condolences to all of Tom's family and extended family.
Once in a while the world is blessed with an "original." After Tom Shepard, they broke the mold.
Martha Siegel (Mardie Kaufer)
Sonja Zbichorski
October 29, 2008
Dear Tom,
You were always a kind,generous man, my boys would love to come in to see you, they thought you were very kind to them. They loved to see your Christmas decorations, and also those darn peacocks! I loved to work for you Tom, I just hope now you can rest and have someone take care of you. You will be missed.
James and Leslie Wendt
October 28, 2008
Our deepest sympathy to Tom's family .He will be sadly missed.
Dick Coleman
October 28, 2008
From high school to Heaven you made a good friend. A smile and a hand shake from you Tom I will keep with me . Where did you hide the recipes?
Mary Flood
October 28, 2008
To all Tom's family and friends ...I was so sad to hear that Tom is no longer with us .I first met Tom when we worked together at Someplace Else .It may have been Tom who gave me my nickname Floodlady.Over the years I have looked forward to seeing Tom when I visited Milwaukee.It will seem strange not to make that stop at whatever establishment Tom was managing .Here's to you Tom .....You brought fun and joy to a lot of people.
Jill Weinberg
October 28, 2008
My sincere condolences to all of the Shepard family, especially Chuck............
Warmest Regards,
Jill (Freudenfeld) Weinberg, Chicago
Jim Pittelkow
October 28, 2008
Losing Tom is a sorrorful loss. We were "colleagues" when I was a "volunteer bouncer" at Shepards in the MGIC Plaza in 1975-76 (his career start) and then later when I was an owner of the competing Bogarts in the late 70's. I clearly remember his love of the entertainment industry. Tom was always "fun!" My heart goes out to his family. May he rest in peace.
Linda K
October 28, 2008
If we continue to love the one's we lose, we have not lost the one's we love. Tom's home is now in our hearts where he will always be safe and well. Be patient. We will see him, and have the Tom Shepard experience, again. Tough to wait, though.
Lorilyn Huckstep Hitchcock
October 28, 2008
I was so saddened to hear of Tom's passing. He always looked out for other people, wanting them to be happy. Such an incredible giving person. My thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family and friends.
Kathy Chernin-Bach
October 28, 2008
Tom was an original and was even 40 years ago. You made me smile and you made me cry. Peace my friend.
Greg Felzer
October 28, 2008
I first met Tom in 1979 at The Swingin Door Lounge and Restaurant in Downtown Milwaukee. He was always in a jovial mood. I knew that when I would see Tom, it was going to be a good day as he was always the life of the party. Happy Trails Tom.
Tom Kresky
October 28, 2008
I am very sorry to hear of Tommy's passing, my condolences to the family. I knew Tommy when he opened his first restaurant and always enjoyed his hospitality. Greatguy, will be missed.
Melody Kawczynski (Brew City Barbeque employee 1999-2004)
October 28, 2008
My deepest condolenscenses to Tom's family. I am keeping you and your loved one's in my prayers. Tom was one of those genuinely good guys and will be missed by so many.
Tricia Freer
October 28, 2008
Sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I remember Toms kindlness when my brother Moon Mullins died suddenly. He brought food to the hospital, while we held vigil not sure what would happen to Moon. Then when Moon died he hosted the funeral lunch at Brew City. I'm sure they are together now, throwing back a few.
God Bless the Shepard Family
Jake and Sue Alward
October 28, 2008
We are so sad at this tragic loss for so many people whose hearts Tom captured. Our greatest memories are from Tom and Meg's wedding in Eagle River. His contageous laugh and love of life and friends and family will live on in our memories forever. Love and sympathy,
Jake and Sue Alward Chanticleer Inn in Eagle River, WI
Robert Mullins
October 28, 2008
Our family has many happy memories of visiting Brew City Bar-BQ when our brother John "Moon" worked there. Tom was gracious enough to close the restaurant for a private reception after Moon's funeral in 2000 which, like Tom's passing, was sudden and unexpected. God bless.
Pamela Norris
October 28, 2008
I met Shep just about a year ago at a club I belong to in Mequon, and got to know him through out the year. I enjoyed meeting his family and loved ones at our Holliday gathering last year – very touching to see you all together. I did not know him well – and yet I know his struggle with the darker side as well as I know my own.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
I know there is another angle now looking out for all of us. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Pamela Norris
Bayside, WI
Lynner Taylor
October 28, 2008
Sheppy, Sheppy, Sheppy....you were one of a kind. Will not forget you losing Brett at County Stadium. We are so sorry to be in Florida today and unable to wish you our Bon Voyage. I'm sure the Lord is experiencing a kitchen upgrade right now. Our thoughts are with your family. Jim and Lynner Taylor and Brett Fortkamp.
Kathleen Sirna Musselman
October 28, 2008
Tom, remembering you from days at 'Someplace Else'...enjoyed it very much. You were a pleasure to be around. Thanks and rest in peace. You're in my prayers.
Don and Krista Hildebrand
October 28, 2008
Thanks for being a friend Tom.
Robert Jacobson
October 28, 2008
Dear family and friends: The memories are flooding back. The beach practically every summer day in seventh and eighth grade. Ping pong in Tom’s basement. Talking with his mother at the kitchen table. Their blue Ford in the high school years. Living with six other guys in Tom’s house on Lafayette while attending UWM. All of his business success. Hundreds of memories of some very happy times. You have my deepest condolences in this time of loss. It goes without saying that Tom was one of a kind. He will be sorely missed. With great affection, Robert Jacobson.
David Bernacchi
October 27, 2008
Dear family and friends, I am way better at pictures then words. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you Shep for your geniune friendship. I have posted a photo that was a favorite by many ( your smile was contagious ) Say hi to Moon for me. db
Fuzzy & Mo Riley Bernhardt
October 27, 2008
We haven't seen Tom very often in the years since we moved to Detroit, but we sure have wonderful memories from back in the day! Our condolences to all the family. Please know our thoughts are with you.
Tom Shepard, on the roof of his restaurant, Brew City BBQ overlookng Water Street in downtown Milwaukee, during the 95th reunion of Harley-Davidson. Thanks Tom ! PHOTO/David Bernacchi
October 27, 2008
F. Tessa Escamilla Bartels
October 27, 2008
Tom ...
My heart breaks to hear this news. I ran into you just over a week before this tragic accident. I'm so glad we had that chance for a chat. I hope that you know how many people loved and cared for you. You and your family are in my prayers.
With love, Tessa
Vicki Beckman
October 27, 2008
This is hearbreaking news. Tom was a wonderful person, with a heart of gold. He will be missed by all.
My thoughts and prayers to his family.
Jason Gerlach
October 27, 2008
Tom,
Thanks for your friendship with and generosity toward the Gerlach Family over the past 30 plus years. You made our lives richer while you were with us and we will miss you always. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.
Jordy and Sherry Kessler
October 27, 2008
Our sadness is overwhelming. No words can discribe the love we fell. He was a great partner and friend. Our thoughts are with all of you. He will be missed. We were are great team.
Hugh McMahon
October 27, 2008
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of Tom. I have many fond rememberances of Tom during my time in Milwaukee. My God's angels take him swiftly to heaven.
Hugh McMahon
Tom Balistreri
October 27, 2008
I remember Tom shaking dice at the Venice Club on Broadway. Great Guy will be missed. Tom Balistreri Owner WJTI 1460 radio
Pat Rafalski Davison
October 27, 2008
Tom had an incredible ability to bring people together through his staff and customers. Always generous and always kind. His smiling face will be missed.
Jennifer Krocak
October 27, 2008
I'm so sorry to hear of this news. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Jennifer Klein (Brew City employee 2000-2003)
Woody Euart
October 27, 2008
Just the mention of Shep always put a smile on my face. He had that magical quality, charisma. Remember spending so many great times together. I'll cherish the fond memories.
Richard and Janet Borys
October 27, 2008
Tom was a good neighbor and visited our tanning salon. We enjoyed many a laugh at Brew City, too. He will be missed. God bless and rest in pease, Tom.
George Henricksen
October 27, 2008
Shep-poo-ee, What a shock, I still can't believe it. We have been friends for over 40 years and we had I don't know how many good times and stories to tell throughtout the years. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends. I loved you Shep.
Big H
Gregg Gunta
October 27, 2008
Tom , we'll all miss you more than you'll ever know.You are a good friend and I can't remember a time when you didn't make us all laugh a little and cry a little.Shep , take a rest and prepare a stool for us in the hereafter. Gregg & Chris Gunta
Tim Roesler
October 27, 2008
Received this sad news this AM. My thoughts are with the family. The first thing that came to my mind was how GENUINE in spirit Tom was. One could look into his soul.
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