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Thomas Hughes Obituary
Thomas John Hughes, 81 years, passed away, after a short illness, on June 4, 2017 at Thedacare Regional Medical Center - Appleton with his family by his side. He was born September 14, 1935 to his parents Walter J. and Victoria H. Hughes (Schulz) in Appleton, Wisconsin. Tom graduated from Appleton High School, Class of 1953. He earned his Bachelor Degree in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh and did his post-graduate work at the Illinois Institute. On August 29, 1959 Thomas J. and Jane L. (Roehr) Hughes were married at First United Methodist Church in Appleton, Wisconsin. Together they raised three children.
Tom was a chemist with Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Pfizer and the Institute of Paper Chemistry. He was a member of TAPPI, the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry, and the Kiwanis Club. His favorite passion was wood working. Tom crafted hundreds of bowls from at least 18 species of wood. He loved to go on his "Euell Gibbons" nature walks with family and friends, gathering fiddleheads and cattails. He was an excellent nurse caring for his wife Jane while she recuperated at home after a severe illness.
Tom will be missed by his wife of 58 years Jane (Roehr) Hughes, children Pamela (Steve) Sowatzka, Reid (Heidi) Hughes, and Megan (Philip) Stumpf, grandchildren Rorick Olson (Elyse-Krista Mische), Trenton Olson (Amy Kozerski), Avriel Sowatzka; Caleb (Janna) Hughes, Eli Hughes; Patrick Stumpf, Clayton Stumpf (Kinleigh Hietpas), and Emmalyn Stumpf; siblings Dick (Jill) Hughes, Pat (Jackie) Hughes, Bill (Jan) Hughes, and Sally (Jim) Hohnberger, brother-in-law Glynn (Alice) Roehr. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by his infant brother, Jerry.
A Funeral Service for Tom will be held on Friday, June 9, 2017 at 11 am at First United Methodist Church, 325 E. Franklin St., Appleton. Rev. Dave Farina officiant. Private inurnment Highland Memorial Park. Visitation will be Thursday, June 8, 2017 at Wichmann-Fargo Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St., Appleton from 5 to 7 pm and Friday, June 9, 2017 at First United Methodist Church, from 9 am until time of Service.
A memorial fund in Tom's name will be established. The Hughes family thanks the staff of Thedacare Regional Medical Center - Appleton for their professional and loving care of him. Special thank you to his many neighbors and friends who have given their love and support during this difficult time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Hughes
Sponsored by Wichmann Funeral Home - Downtown Appleton.
Cherrie Kerwell
December 6, 2019
Tom was my husband and my landlord many years ago. He was very kind and gracious and always treated us with great respect. He was the best landlord we have had. He was a wonderful man. Rest peacefully Tom. God Bless you.
Gary and Anne Appel
May 29, 2019
We know how much Tom loved wood. Have some of his beautiful bowls hanging on a special place on our wall. Planted a Meyer lemon tree in his memory. This spring it was full of wonderful blossoms and now bright green fruit. Think of Tom often. And, continue our discussions on wide ranging topics. Can just hear him telling me I am all wrong. Good friend.
Sally Hohnberger
June 16, 2017
Tom was my brother but I was 13 years younger than he so I didn't get to really KNOW him until I was married and had children. Tom was so fun to be around. He had his own language and expressed himself so uniquely. He was always so kind, sweet, caring, and interested in our life. We became instant friends so to speak and I am so sorry I didn't know him sooner than we did. Phone calls were a riot and so enjoyable. My boys have scientific, fun Tom etched into their hearts, memories and lives forever. We dearly loved Tom and will miss him terribly.
Dear Jane and family Know that you will be in our prayers as you will also miss your husband and father for sure. It was a joy meeting and visiting with you all! May God's Comfort be sufficient for your needs.
Sally Hohnberger
June 16, 2017
Tom was a Gem of a brother. I knew little of him growing up as I came along 13 years later. Got to know my brother as a married adult but what a treat that was. He was always kind, considerate, caring, interested in our life. All of my family will miss him terribly. My 2 boys bonded with him, loved and cherished him. Phone conversations were always laughable and exciting. His love will forever be in our hearts and memories. I dearly loved my brother!!
Jane and family know our prayers will be with you as you adjust to life without this wonderful husband and father. His love for all of you go with you and a personal Christ comfort you in your needs.
Klay and Sara Heise
June 9, 2017
Dear Jane and Family, We have been blessed to know Tom all these years and will truly miss him at Woodcraft. We are prayin God's comfort for you during this difficult time.
Paul Ott
June 8, 2017
Worked with Tom for many years at Pfizer/Specialty Minerals Technical Service supporting alkaline conversions the world over. Learned a ton from Tom. His great sense of humor, love of Jane, family, food and papermaking were legendary. What a great person. He'll be dearly missed. Thoughts and prayers to Jane and the family.
Bob Sigman
June 8, 2017
Dear Jane, and family, I want to express my sincere condolences on Tom's recent passing. I hadn't seen him in many years, but I remember him to have been a good guy. I hope you will be comforted by many memories of your lives together with him. Sincerely,
Kevin Carpenter
June 8, 2017
There are few people today that are so friendly, and as gracious as Tom. He was always willing to give advice and to teach you. I met Tom at woodcraft, and after several encounters and a thousand questions, he invited me to his house to make sure I would get it correct. He was generous with his time, knowledge, and any extra wood laying around. I will miss you. My friend.
June 8, 2017
The neighborhood will not be the same without Tom . We lost a very kind man. He always had a kind word and a big smile. The little kids loved him too. God bless. Pat Murphy
Mitchell Koppelman
June 8, 2017
Had the privilege of working with Tom at Pfizer/Specialty Minerals were I gained so much respect and admiration for his skills and knowledge, but mostly how, as a technical/customer service specialist, the customer always came first. He was fun to be with working in a paper mill environ, and made long days and nights on the job entertaining and pass quickly. Lost track of him after his parting ways from SMI, but glad to know he lived a wonderful life after SMI, with such a large family following of children and grandchildren. Tom always spoke of his children with much pride and respect, and I am sure the same developed for his grandchildren. He will be missed by many.
Dr. Mitch Koppelman
You were always a pleasure to talk to, the excitement in your voice drew me in to hear more about your woodworking stories and was truly inspiring..
Jimmy Green
June 8, 2017
My wife and I are keeping your family in our prayers, as well as our thoughts. You will be missed by us as well!!! You had such an energy about you and enthusiasum that was so catchy. We always looked forward to seeing you. You helped my wife with the purchase of multiple surprise birthday tools such as a new table saw, vega duplicator and lathe to mention a few over the years. We are happy heaven got an other angel today , but sad you had to leave us so soon. We are truly sorry for your families great loss...
Chris DeValk
June 7, 2017
I remember Tom from the antique mall. What a great man! He has left a lasting impression on many. Jane and family... you are all in my thoughts and prayers. RIP Tom
June 7, 2017
What a special person Tom was. Remember him all the way back to buildng hot rods. Wonderful humor. Became even more special as he shared his wood turning skills with me. Shared diet information and books regularly. One of those persons you can't believe have passed. Will have fond memories forever. Will think of him every time we use one of his beautiful wood turned bowls. Gary and Anne Appel
Robin Jones
June 7, 2017
there are no words
Mary Rowland
June 7, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with Jane and his family. He was a kind and generous friend. I will miss him.
Amy Rutz
June 6, 2017
I am sadden to hear about Tom's passing. I will always remember him for his kind smile and words of encouragement. Thanks for being a great neighbor and a positive influence.
Rob Nelson
June 6, 2017
Tom will leave a lasting memory for me of graciousness & willing to help anyone in need. You will be missed by many Tom.
Diane Kelly
June 6, 2017
I was so sad to find out about Tom's passing. I always enjoyed my talks with him at Memories antique mall.
Cyril Griesbach
June 6, 2017
I'm going to miss Tom and the woodturning meetings as well as my visits to Woodcraft. I'll remember his willing smile and engaging conversation.
Ron Bland
June 6, 2017
Sorry to hear about his passing. He will be missed by all. I am a former member of the turning club.
Kelly Bresnahan
June 6, 2017
Tom will be missed by all of us with the BayLake Woodturners. He was great at making us all smile with his quick wit and humor.
Dave & Lill Brice
June 6, 2017
We are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He was a caring friend & flame member. He will be missed by your family. Dave & Lill Brice
Mariah Goode
June 6, 2017
All - So sorry for your loss. Many fond memories of hanging out with Megan and her parents during our Makaroff ballet years. :) Mariah Goode
Dick and Jill Hughes
June 6, 2017
We will miss you!!!!!!! RIP
Bob and Lois Olson
June 6, 2017
Bob and I are both very saddened to hear of Tom's passing. 'he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Jane, we thoroughly enjoyed our visits with you and Tom.
Karen & Mike Fox
June 6, 2017
So sorry for your loss Pam. Our hearts are with you.
Gerald Jensen
June 5, 2017
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I met Tom through the BayLake Woodturners.
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
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Wichmann Funeral Home - Downtown Appleton537 North Superior Street, Appleton, WI 54911
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