Thomas "Tom" P. Walz

Thomas P Walz (1956-2025)

Thomas P. "Tom" Walz was a devoted husband, proud father, beloved “Bapa,” and dear friend to many. He passed away on September 8, 2025, in Madison, Wisconsin, at the age of 69.

Tom was the loving husband and best friend of Kim Parker Walz, with whom he shared over 50 years of partnership filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Together they raised three daughters — Lauren (Casey) Purcell, Maureen (Leif) Wiebe, and Eileen Walz (Benya Basseches) — who were the joy of his life. He delighted in being “Bapa” to his four grandchildren: Max, Rae, Owen, and Maya. Tom is also survived by his siblings Jim (Cathy) Walz, Mary (Greg) Walz-Chojnacki, Katy (Jerry) Mullen, Dan Walz (Amy Richwine), Anne (Edward) Calvey, Margaret (Robert) Koop, and Susan (Kevin) Kroeger, and by many nieces, nephews, and friends who cherished him.

Born in Milwaukee on July 8, 1956, to Jim and Lois Walz, Tom grew up in suburban neighborhoods in Milwaukee, WI and Columbus, Ohio, where he enjoyed the freedom and adventures of childhood. He graduated from Marquette University High School in 1974 and Marquette University in 1978, and went on to earn his law degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1982. That same year, he married Kim, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in love, family, and shared purpose.

Tom built a distinguished career as a bankruptcy attorney with the U.S. Trustee’s office (Department of Justice) in Madison, where he was known for his integrity, skill, and compassion. He generously shared his legal expertise beyond the courtroom, freely volunteering his time to advise family, friends, and members of his community. He also pursued a longtime passion for real estate, developing and restoring properties across Wisconsin over more than three decades.

Family was always Tom’s true center. He coached his daughters’ soccer and basketball teams, attended countless track meets, and encouraged their love of learning and writing. Later, he found joy in teaching his grandchildren card games, singing Raffi songs with them, and cheering them on as they grew. He truly felt that his daughters and grandchildren were his “life’s masterpiece.”

Tom’s hobbies reflected his adventurous and creative spirit. He and Kim loved canoeing, camping, and cross-country skiing in their younger years. As parents, they were actively involved in the community through neighborhood associations, school boards, and other volunteering. He and Kim found joy in bringing family and friends together; hosting meals around their kitchen table, sharing laughter & games, and sunsets over Lake Kegonsa. In recent years, Tom loved playing golf and racquet sports, cooking, smoking ribs, finding the sweetest strawberries for his famous jam, and tinkering with whatever needed fixing.

Tom was known for his humor, generosity, and the way he made everyone feel like a friend. He had a gift for seeing and acknowledging people in their challenges, and generously offering his time, skills, money, or a joke to lighten their load.

Tom quietly struggled with mental health challenges that grew more intense with age. Though Tom was quick to recognize and ease the pain of others, he found it difficult to accept help for himself, even as his loved ones persisted. His family shares this truth with hope: that anyone facing similar struggles will reach out for support and know they are not alone. Seeking help is the first step toward healing, and Tom would have wanted others to take it.

Above all, Tom will be remembered for his silly sense of humor, his laughter, his compassion, and his unwavering love for his family. He often said — and truly believed — that he was “the luckiest man in the world.” Those who knew him will carry forward his spirit by savoring the beauty and joy of whatever life gives.

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In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to NAMI or Journey, organizations that raise awareness and support families struggling with mental health.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

206 W. Prospect, P.O. Box 231, Stoughton

(608) 873-9244

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com