Thomas M. Buelow

Thomas M. Buelow
Tom Buelow passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on September 24, 2024 after a long battle with kidney failure.
Tom was born on January 22, 1947 and lived a great life learning to love jazz and big band music and model trains with his dad. He graduated from Alexander Ramsey High School in Roseville, MN in 1966 and the University of Minnesota in 1970. He played tenor sax in several groups in his late teens/early adulthood including the Mellowmen and University of Minnesota Marching Band.
Tom took several trips out west on his beloved motorcycle before he graduated from UWM in 1971 and moved to Milwaukee. He eventually traded up to a brand new 1973 Camaro that he treasured so much he didn't drive it more than 17,000 miles in 45 years. He also invested in a 30' S2 sailboat that proved to be his lifelong hobby. "Turning Point" took him safely across Lake Michigan almost 100 times! Tom made a career as an IBM Systems Engineer making many friends at Miller Brewing and Wisconsin Bell, where he met the love of his life, Karen Olson. They married in 1986 and spend many happy years sailing on Lake Michigan, traveling to visit family and a few iconic places in the US and Canada.
Tom retired in 2000 and took a technical sales rep job at Beta Systems in Elm Grove, finally retiring for good in 2009. The last several years of his life were challenged by his health issues, but he kept his great sense of humor, loved his music and visits from people. In 2020, he became a "dog dad" for the first time with his beloved Rio, a rescued blind 4-year-old shih tzu from Texas. Rio became officially Tom's emotional support dog and accompanied him almost everywhere. They spent hours cuddling, curled up sleeping, goofing off and sitting on the deck taking in sunshine and the sound of the waterfall. Rio was a great Blessing and loyally cared for Tom until the end.
Tom was welcomed in heaven by his parents, John "Jack" Buelow and Vera Johnson Buelow, brother John "Bud" Buelow and many other relatives, in-laws and friends. His beloved wife Karen, loving pup Rio and brother James "Jim" Buelow will carry his love and memories in our hearts until we are reunited in Christ. And he will be greatly missed and remembered fondly by many nieces, nephews, friends, coworkers and caregivers. Tom would say "Thank you! I love you! You all were the best music in my life!
Services will be held at GALILEE LUTHERAN CHURCH, N24W26430 Crestview Dr, Pewaukee on October 15 - 10:00 a.m. visitation, 11:00 a.m. services followed by a celebration luncheon at the Five O' Clock Club. Interment will be on October 19 at 11:30 a.m. at Gilman Lutheran Cemetery in Spring Valley WI followed by a celebration luncheon at the Spring Valley Golf Course. Memorials may be given to Galilee Lutheran Music Program.
Rio asks for donations to save his rescue friends at Friends of Faye, 10039 Estes Hill Lane, Conroe TX 77302.
Church & Chapel Funeral Service Serving the Family Milw. 262-827-0659 Wauk. 262-549-0659 Online Obit, Condolences, Directions www.churchandchapel.com