Thomas John "Tom" Botic

Thomas John Botic

"Tom"

Tom, 78, of Pewaukee, WI, passed away while sleeping comfortably at home on Monday, August 18.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Trudy (Colburn); son, Jeff (Cheryl); grandchildren, Zack (Ambriele) and Tyler; daughter, Jenny (Mike); and brother, Jim. He was the cherished son of Steve and Regina Botic.

As a youngster, Tom was a Boy Scout (with his mom as his Scout Leader), where his love of the outdoors and maybe a few snakes under the bed first took root.

It was in high school that he met the love of his life, Trudy. After their first date water skiing with friends, the two were inseparable.

At the age of 19, Tom was drafted into the Marines. Prior to his deployment, he sold his Honda motorcycle to buy a ring. They planned a wedding in six weeks and kicked off what would become six decades of marriage.

Tom proudly served his country as a Marine in Vietnam, earning multiple honors and medals.

After returning from the war, Tom and Trudy built a life full of love, laughter, and sawdust. They crafted their home and cabin by hand and filled them with furniture and accents that may have been slightly over-engineered. His projects often included the more-than-occasional trip to the E.R. Taking one of his projects apart took just as long as it did to build.

Tom had a special talent for making unique pieces of art from fallen forest trees. As a niece remarked, "He never took a tree's life, but rather took the ugly scars and transformed them into something beautiful."

They traveled as a couple, as a family, and with friends. He especially enjoyed warm beach locations and listening to reggae music in the sun while sipping a margarita. With his laid-back, approachable manner and Hawaiian shirts, he tended to look like someone who might be offered something... illicit. But true to his character, he always took the moral high ground.

Tom was a remarkable, no-frills, straight-shooting, honorable, hard-working, loving, caring, devoted man. He was never excessive. His morality is unmatched, and we are all better people because of him.

He faced ALS, Parkinsonism, and dementia a trifecta that no one deserves with silent strength and grace. Through it all, he never complained. He just kept showing up, like he always did, with a smile and a chainsaw.

We miss him immensely. He was our go-to man whatever, wherever, whenever we needed him, he showed up, ready to help, with the right tool and probably a pack of Ritz crackers in his pocket.

We hope in his new home there are endless donuts, ice cream, Ritz crackers (yes, that's right Ritz crackers), and not a green veggie in sight.

If you knew Tom or even if you didn't you could honor him by thanking a soldier or veteran for their service or helping out someone in need. And next time you're driving through a wooded area, take a second look. You might just see what he saw.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, September 14, at CHURCH AND CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME, 380 Bluemound Rd., Waukesha, WI. Visitation from 12:00 – 2:00 PM. A short service with military honors begins at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ALS Association (als.org) or the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA.org).

Please use the email address tom08182025@gmail.com if you make a donation, so the family can properly thank you for your generosity.

Church & Chapel Funeral Service Serving the Family

Milw. 262-827-0659 Wauk. 262-549-0659

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