Thomas John Giersch

Thomas John Giersch, 84, passed away on March 27, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle.

Born on January 1, 1942, in Milwaukee to Gladys (Burch) and Paul Giersch, Thomas lived a life defined by hard work, devotion to family, and kindness toward others.

Tom was preceded in death by parents, Paul and Gladys Giersch; stepfather Norman Gardner, brother, Richard Giersch; brother-in-law, Emil Mrozek; and his sister-in-law, Shirley Giersch.

Tom is survived by:

•His loving wife and close companion of 63 years, Carole Giersch (Van der Linden), whom he met at a CYO dance at St. Elizabeth’s Parish

•Son Gregory and his daughters, Katherine, Natalie, and Lydia, and their mother, Mary

•Son Brian (Linanne), their children, Jacob (Kelsey) and Neely, and great-grandson Wyatt Lee

•Son Peter (Carole) and their children, Paul, David, Therese, Annie, and Mary

•Siblings Maryann Mrozek, Suzanne Schaefer, and Harold (Tim) Giersch

•“Uncle Tommy” is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

Tom led by example, treating everyone with kindness and fairness. The iconic “blue family van” was a staple of the neighborhood. Friends and neighbors knew Tom was the man to call for a ride, help on a project, or bringing the drums to a gig.

At family gatherings, he would get the family out for some friendly competition by organizing the softball games or pocket-change poker games. He loved deer hunting, Boy Scout camping trips, and just being out in the woods on an adventure.

Tom spent time “on the road” as a truck driver when his family was young, always bringing back reminders of how he was thinking of them. One thing brought back from the road provided an Auburn Lake fireworks display that is still talked about.

The discovery that he shared a distant relation to Elvis Presley seemed fitting given his lifelong dark hair and unmistakable grin.

Tom’s other passions were following the Milwaukee Brewers, exploring World War II and American West history, and after retirement, volunteering at church and the Riverwest community food bank.

Visitation Friday, April 10, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM at Our Lady of Divine Providence Parish - St. Casimir Church, 2600 N. Bremen St., Milwaukee, 53212, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 AM. Entombment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Milwaukee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Kinship Community Food Center.