Thomas J. Wise

Retired Major Thomas J. Wise Jr. – passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026 with his loving family by his side at Lightways Hospice Home at the age of 86. Thomas met the love of his life, Kathryn, at the age of 17 and from that day on she was his priority . They married a few years later and spent 67 wonderful years together. He is also survived by his sons, Thomas (Nance) Wise, Michael (Jill) Wise and daughter Sharon (Donald) Welch, his grandchildren, Melissa (Greg) New, Steven (Lindsay) Welch, Kim (Nick Crudele) Welch, Jacob (Ashley) Wise, Michael (Samatha) Wise, Rayanne (Nic Zey) Wise, Taryn (Geoff) Price, Justin (Lauren) Wise, Shaina Wise, Janai (Adam) Olsen, Jordan (MacKenzie) Wise, great-grandchildren, Max, Alex, Josie, Teagan, Riley, Sofia, Tommy, Daniel, Audrey, William, Emily, Leah, Abel, Andy-Rae, Riker, Leona, Anna, Raymond and Freya. Also survived by his sister Maureen (Jake) Blaylock and brother, George (Jeannine) Wise.

Thomas was proceeded in death by his parents Thomas Wise Sr. and Evelyn Wise, granddaughter, Tarah Wise and his siblings Michal Susan, Terry, Tim and Maggie.

Thomas loved his family above all, and he inspired future generations to join the military. He received his Electrical Engineering Degree from Marquette University, Master of Arts in Human Resource Management from Pepperdine University, Master of Business from Lewis University, Bachelor of Science degree in Operations Research-United States Naval Postgraduate School. He also served in the United States Marine Corps from 1957 until 1977 serving in 3 campaigns in Vietnam.

He loved his church were he was an Eucharistic Minister, Wedding Coordinator and Lector for daily Mass.

The family is very grateful to all the doctors and nurses involved in his care for the last several years along with a special thank you to the nurses at Lightways, you have no idea how much we appreciated you.

Mass of Christian will be held Friday February 27th at 11:30 AM at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home and Crematory at 2320 Black Road. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with full Military Honors. In Lieu of flowers per the family requests donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, your local VFW or Lightways Hospice would be appreciated. For more information call (815) 744-0022 or visit www.chsfuneral .com