Thomas Peaslee

Thomas "Tom" Peaslee, 73, passed away unexpectedly on January 9, 2025. He was born on March 26, 1951 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin to Fay O. and Bonnie (Larson) Peaslee.

Tom grew up in Onalaska WI, attending Onalaska High School then transferring to LaCrosse Logan High School and graduating with the Class of 1969. He enjoyed wrestling and running track. Tom was very proud of his military service, and enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, working as an Avionics Specialist on F4 fighter jets. For those who knew him well, know that he enlisted after he was asked not to return his freshman year of college after hanging out too many nights at the Macamba Club. During the Vietnam War, Tom was deployed to Thailand, with rotations into Vietnam.

Upon being discharged from the Air Force, Tom returned to LaCrosse to attend UW-LaCrosse. Graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Tom went on to earn a Master’s Degree in School Psychology. While attending UWL, Tom met his future wife, Lisa. They were married on August 12, 1978. 

Upon receiving his Masters Degree, Tom and family moved to Antigo, WI. There, Tom worked as a school psychologist in the Unified School District of Antigo for 26 years. He spent those years advocating for appropriate educational services for children from kindergarten through high school. Tom opened his heart, office, and home to many students and gave them a safe place to belong. He spent many years coaching middle school and high school wrestling, as well as girls’ track. Many athletes still refer to him as Coach Peaslee. In addition to advocating for students in school, Tom was very involved with the muscular dystrophy summer camp and volunteered for the Special Olympics for many years.

Tom was a “girl dad” before girl dads were a thing, raising daughters Kristin, Annie, and Katie with Lisa. He spent many weekends supporting his daughters at the hockey rink and gymnastics gym – in later years, he continued his cheering from the sidelines at numerous events for his grandchildren. While living in Antigo, Tom and Lisa enjoyed having an annual “Grandma & Grandpa camp” – hosting all the grandkids for a week filled with fishing, movies, zoo trips, and junk food.

Upon retirement, Tom and Lisa moved to Appleton, WI to be closer to their family. Tom found his new passion taking care of his backyard pond of goldfish and feeding the birds and pine squirrels. He loved a good book, his comfy chair, and an afternoon nap. Tom loved being in the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. This was a passion he shared with one of his daughters and his grandchildren. 

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Lisa; their children, Kristin Moehn (Mike Ziebell) of Kaukauna, WI, Annie Skrupky of Appleton, WI, and Katie (Ryan) Lovell of Libertyville, IL; seven grandchildren Ethan, Colin and Logan Moehn, Avery and Graham Skrupky, Ellie and Charlie Lovell; siblings Dennis (Darla) Peaslee, Sharon (Lyle) Dorschied, Bob (Kathy) Peaslee, Jackie Klinkenberg, John (Gina) Peaslee, and Shelly (John) Fisher; mother-in-law, Dottie Bridgham; brothers-in-law Dave (Jackie) Bridgham, Brett (Tricia) Bridgham and Brad Bridgham and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, brother Jimmy Peaslee, infant brother Brian Peaslee, father-in-law Bud Bridgham and brother-in-law Dennis Klinkenberg. 

A visitation for Tom will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Wichmann Funeral Home Tri-County Chapel, 1592 S Oneida St, Menasha, WI 54952, from 1:00 pm until the time of funeral service at 3:00pm with Reverend Keith Wolf officiating. Military Honors will follow and a memorial fund will be established in Tom's memory. 

Tom’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the medical team with Theda Clark Regional Medical Center of Neenah, especially the ICU and Neuro teams for their care, comfort and kindness during this most difficult time.