Thomas A. Pieper

Tom Pieper, of Kaukauna, WI, passed away at the age of 79 after a valiant battle with cancer that he fought with the same grit and humor he brought to everything in life. He is remembered for his sense of humor, world-class driving skills, and always, ALWAYS, sharing what was on his mind.

Tom was born in Freeport, IL, the second son of Harry and Ruth Pieper of Florence Township. Tom grew up on the family farm, shared adventures with his friend Gale Otto, and attended a one-room schoolhouse. In high school, he was known to spend more time in the principal’s office than in class. One time, he dumped a truckload of pumpkins in front of Freeport High School. The staff celebrated his graduation. After graduating, he joined the US Navy Submarine Service. Tom proudly served on the USS Hardhead and USS Cavalla before he left the Navy in 1966. Tom kept the Caribbean safe and secure. Following the Navy, Tom drove trucks for Newell and touched all the lower-48 states. This time provided him with endless stories that he shared over the years. He returned to the farm and worked it with his parents and brother Ronnie until joining the Minnesota Holstein Association as a Field Representative in 1978. He joined the National Holstein Association in 1980, moved to Appleton then to Kaukauna, and finished his career with Monsanto. He loved his time with Holstein and Monsanto where he built lifelong friendships. Tom was the quiet hero of dairy farmers, advocating tirelessly for their needs and championing the cows that keep this state running–and mooing. 

Tom married Norma Penniston (Miller) in 1967, and they had a daughter, Stacey. Tom then married Debra Garrow (Purdue) in 1974 and they had a son, Joe, and daughter, Dallas. Tom married Lori Prusynski (AKA “the renter”) in 2010 and they enjoyed hanging with their pets, hosting family and spending time on their sunporch. After retiring from Monsanto, Tom enjoyed hunting turkey in Michigan and deer in Wyoming with close friends and working on his model railroad. He and his son, Joe, took trips to Wyoming fly fishing with even Stacey joining one year. Tom enjoyed volunteering as a submarine tour guide at the Wisconsin Maritime Museum in Manitowoc. Tom traveled to Freeport frequently to see Stacey’s and Dallas’s children in dance, sports, and plays. He loved his grandkids and often imparted wisdom, not always welcomed by his children. He brought fun to events including when he stood as a Regent of Northern Illinois University at Stacey’s college graduation – Tom was not a Regent… He and Lori enjoyed time in Marco Island where he bought multiple Submarine Veteran t-shirts to wear over multiple days, and to serve as conversation starters while walking on the beach. Tom was a favorite of elected officials sharing his opinions on how things should be. Lori is convinced he is on a watch list. He returned to his truck-driving roots in retirement driving for local farmers and trucking companies. He finished his 2nd career with Goodwill Industries. He loved being on the road and commenting to all of us that called him about the deficiencies of those he shared the road with.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Lori, his brother Ronnie of Freeport, IL, his daughter Stacey (John) Kleindl of Freeport, IL, his son, Joe (Jennifer) Pieper of Waukesha, WI, his daughter Dallas (Tom) Elzen of Freeport, IL; His grandchildren, Jena (Tyler) Spinnato, Ellen Kleindl, Hanna Rackow, Sydney Rackow and Leonard Willems; and Lori’s children: Jessica (Adam) Schilke of Appleton, WI, Kayla Willems, of Appleton, WI, and Justin Prusynski of Wisconsin Rapids, WI. Along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins with names we couldn’t remember how to spell.

His family is confident that Tom is sharing cow puns with St. Peter, letting those around him know his thoughts on how to make the heaven intake process more efficient, and mumbling “C’mon, what’s taking so long”, under his breath. 

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to Tom’s primary doctor, Dr. Merci Awe, along with all of those at ThedaCare and Froedert for their compassionate care and unwavering support during Dad’s battle with cancer. Many got a Daisy – some didn’t. We will honor Tom with a celebration in June 2025, details to follow.