Evelyn E. Thom

Evelyn E. Thom, age 99, of Ripon, WI, passed away Thursday, October 2, 2025 at Ripon Community Hospital with her family by her side.

Evelyn was born on October 7, 1925 in Ripon, WI, daughter of Edward and Amanda (Huth) Altnau. She attended school in Ripon. She fell in love with the family farm hand, Arden Thom, and they married on May 27, 1950 at Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ in Ripon, where they remained devoted members. She was also a member of Alliance Steelworkers Union Retirement Club. Evelyn enjoyed polka music and dancing, and even played the accordion. She also enjoyed making crafts, going to rummage sales, and playing cards. She cherished time with her grandchildren and loved teaching them card games.

Evelyn is survived by her sons, Michael (Bonnie) Thom of Berlin, WI and Larry Thom of Ripon, WI; daughters, Amy Petermann of Neshkoro, WI and Lori (Dowe) Schweder of Princteon, WI; ten grandchildren, Nikki (Kenneth) Cherek, Randi (Stacey) Thom, Michael (Kathleen) Thom, Melissa (Michael) Stacpoole, Rose Petermann, Emily Petermann, Bennet Petermann, Arley Petermann, Hanna Schweder, and Jacob Schweder; a step-granddaughter, Felicia (Kenny) Kiefer; 12 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; special friends; and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Amanda Altnau; the love of her life and husband of nearly 68 years, Arden Thom; a great-grandson, Easton Thom; a brother, Hilary Altnau; and sister-in-law, Gelene Altnau.

Visitation for Evelyn will be held from 9:00 am until 11:00 am on Monday, October 6, 2025 at Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ, 343 Scott St., Ripon, WI 54971.

Funeral service for Evelyn will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, October 6, 2025 at Our Saviour’s United Church of Christ in Ripon, with Rev. Dr. Kevin P. Mundell officiating. You may view a livestream of the funeral service at 11:00 am by visiting this link LIVESTREAM. Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ripon. A memorial is being established in her name.