Obituaries
.jpg)
Thomas J Roberts
Dec. 17, 1943 - Apr. 10, 2024 - Fond du Lac, WI
Funeral Service
Thursday, Apr. 18, 2024
12:30 pm
54 E. Main St.
Chilton, WI 53014
Funeral Visitation
Wednesday, Apr. 17, 2024
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
411 W Main St.
Chilton, WI
Funeral Visitation
Thursday, Apr. 18, 2024
11:00 am - 12:15 pm
54 E. Main St.
Chilton, WI 53014
Prayer Services
Wednesday, Apr. 17, 2024
7:00 pm
411 W. Main St.
Chilton, WI 53014
Thomas J Roberts
Fond du Lac WI
Thomas J. “Tom” Roberts, age 80, formerly of Chilton, died on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from a short and intense battle with Dementia. He was born December 17, 1943 in Rhinelander, son of the late Maurice & Helen (Hartung) Roberts.
He married the love of his life, Candace “Candy” Klaas on August 2, 1986 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chilton with their new blended family to witness and celebrate.
Hailing from the “Great Northwoods”, Tom began his life with a love of the great outdoors. Tom had the intent of going to college to work in Forestry and found himself being more drawn towards education so that he could still enjoy the great outdoors on his own and pass on his passion to the youth in his life through the earth sciences. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and began his teaching career in the Chilton School District where he taught and impacted the lives of countless numbers of students he had the honor of teaching and interacting with on a daily basis. Tom retired from the same district he began his career in 2001 at the age of 57.
He was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church, formerly St. Mary Parish, the Knights of Columbus and was also a Charter Member of the Chilton Optimist Club and did everything he could to be, as the Optimist Moto states, a “Friend of Youth” wherever he went including as an officer for the Calumet County Youth Safety Group. Tom was instrumental in the formation of the Winnebago East Shore Conservation Club where he had also taught Hunter’s Safety for 45 years to many youth and adults throughout Northeast Wisconsin. He had also been an active member of the Quinney Fishing Club where he served as the treasurer for many years.
Tom expressed his love for the great outdoors through his support of wildlife conservation locally as he also kept his memberships active with the Wisconsin Bow Hunters, Ducks Unlimited, charter member of the Friends of Ledge View Nature Center. While he was involved in many organizations, he still had time to tend to his own conservation at his cabin and land in Northern Wisconsin. He had even been recognized regionally as Sportsman of the Year because of his dedication to the education and conservation of the world around him. Tom continued to portray his outdoor skills by leading Boy Scout troop 810 for many years. There were many trips to Camp Rokilio and the Boundary waters.
From the time that his teaching career began, Tom recognized Chilton as his home and cared for everything and everyone in it. Through this effort, Tom was honored as the Chilton Citizen of the Year in 2009.
Even as a rugged outdoorsman, Tom had a soft heart who loved his black labs and appreciated moments with his family making cookies and never passed up an opportunity to volunteer as quality control. His sweet tooth was a treasure his family will keep because they knew that there would always be dessert after every meal.
Survivors include his wife: Candy; his children: Michael (Tanya) Roberts, Melissa (Jim) Schultz, Kevin Roberts, Lisa (Angel) Brito, Jennifer (Jon) Braden, Joshua (Brenda) Recha; 18 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; brother: Charlie (Barb) Roberts; and trusted black lab, Ember. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Maurice and Helen Roberts; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Joe and Betty Klaas; Sister, Mary Roberts; Brother-in-laws Bill Miller, Ray Klaas, Joe Klaas; Sister-in-law Linda Klaas; Grandson, Ryan Schultz; Great grandsons Holdyn and Lincoln Braden.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:30 pm on Thursday, April 18, 2024 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church (54 E. Main St.) in Chilton with Rev. Jon Thorson officiating. A time of visitation will be held at the Wieting Family Funeral Home from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 and on Thursday at the church from 11:00 am until 12:15 pm. There will be a Knights of Columbus and Parish Vigil Service held at the close of the visitation Wednesday evening at the funeral home. At the time of the service and following, there will be a link available above for those wishing to watch a live stream or archived recording of the service, watch a memorial video, or see pictures of the flowers and gifts given to the family.
Tom’s family would like to thank entire team at Liberty House for all of their loving care that was shown to Tom and his entire family during his time there.
Condolences
Our condolences go out to Candy in Tom’s passing. He was a great teacher and really helped me as a young teacher back in the day. He was always friendly and supportive throughout my career at Chilton. God bless you, Candy, and the family.
Ted and Ellen Pierce (Friends-Fellow teachers) 2024-05-20 08:41:53
Sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. He was a dedicated teacher, and a good friend.
Steve and Robin Stuebbe (Fellow Chilton teachers) 2024-04-17 21:15:26
Truly regret to hear about Tom's passing. He was very instrumental in my formative years as being an incredible teacher, Scout leader and role model. His impact is far reaching. I was planning on attending the services, but unfortunately I am unable. My sympathy and sorrow is shared with the Roberts & Recha families. RIP Tom & thank you.
Chad Muenster (Student, Protege, Friend) 2024-04-17 11:41:01
Candy, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Tom will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Hunting and fishing trips will never be the same without Tom. Rest in peace.
Gary and Sue Dlugopolski (Friends ) 2024-04-16 15:21:35
Our sympathy Candy and family. He taught our children and he was a friend who brought us the Optimist tickets. May he rest in peace.
art and joyce kopf (Good friends) 2024-04-16 13:01:30
So sorry to here of Toms passing.He and Candy were very instrumental in the early formation of Ledge View Nature Center and the Friends of Ledge View.Toms love of the outdoors was evident to all who knew him.
Ron Zahringer (Friend) 2024-04-16 08:57:15
Candy and Family, we are so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. May his memories take you through days and years ahead. God Bless. May he rest in peace.
Trudy and Dave Bates (Friends) 2024-04-14 22:22:18
My sincere condolences to you Candy and family. Tom was certainly a kind and giving man. Sending comforting prayers to you all.
Ellie Hilton (Friend ) 2024-04-13 09:15:03
Candy And family,You have my deepestsympathies God Bless You Love &Prayers.
Ruth Thede (Friend) 2024-04-12 15:07:00
Candy and family, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Tom was a great man and will be greatly missed by all that had the chance to get to know him. RIP my friend!
Nathan Bates (Student and friend) 2024-04-12 11:22:09
Candy and family - so sorry to learn about Tom's passing! We all greatly enjoyed having him at SSM Health Adult Day Services. He taught me how to tell if a pine was a white pine by the number of needles in a bunch! He was a kind and gentle man. Sending prayers and hugs for peace and comfort during this time.
JULIE SCHWARTZ (Nurse) 2024-04-12 10:59:48
Mr. Roberts was a great teacher and neighbor! I recall fondly babysitting his grandkids. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and community.
Jenn (Everson) Brown (Former student, neighbor) 2024-04-12 08:26:13
Tom was the greatest at many things! I will always remember Tom as the head chef on our Boy Scout trips and as we canoed together in the boundary waters. Tom was the best tree climber during deer hunting season also. I will also remember Tom as the best teacher I ever had. Tom, I pray every day that your portages will always be short, and the fishing and hunting is great in heaven.
Andy And Kate Thone (Friend, Student, Boy Scout) 2024-04-12 07:08:00
My thoughts and prayers to the family. He was a great teacher whom definitely made an impression on many lives. Always loved a great down to earth conversation with him.
Amanda Miller-Hedtke (Former Student ) 2024-04-11 23:15:23
prayers to his family and friends RIP Tom ! God Bless
Candace & Darrell Wilson (cousin) 2024-04-11 13:07:38
I always enjoyed mr.roberts science class. I send my condolences
Jessica Lecher (Student) 2024-04-11 12:12:27
Candy and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Tom was gentleman and a friend to all.
Marty and Sue Seckel Family (Friends and students) 2024-04-11 11:49:04
My sincere condolences to your entire family. Mr. Roberts was a fantastic science teacher and I always will remember him handing down my first ,and only, detention for chewing gum in his class! Much appreciation also for his time spent teaching Hunter safety at Winnebago Eastshore for which my children and myself benefited from.
Mary Jo (Bonlander) Anhalt (student) 2024-04-11 09:27:05
Yes, a pure honor to have worked with Tom for about my first seven years at Chilton. He left a legacy and thousands of students much better off with knowledge than prior to meeting him. His passing brings great sadness to me and so many of his co-workers, but my GREATEST enjoyment in remembering Tom is that he and the GREAT GARY GRUBER are now sipping coffee, joking, and smiling down on all of us. (Two guys & a 30-cup coffee pot each morning!) Heaven is in great hands now! God Bless all of Tom's family! -Kevin
Kevin Johnson (Honored Co-teacher) 2024-04-11 07:40:02
My condolences to your family. He started off as my scout leader, then my teacher in school and the last 35 years a friend and teacher of life for me. He will be missed by all. God bless.
Kendall Thiel (Friend) 2024-04-11 07:30:32
My condolences to your family. He started off as my scout leader, then my teacher in school and the last 35 years a friend and teacher of life for me. He will be missed by all. God bless.
Kendall Thiel (Friend) 2024-04-11 07:28:09
Mr. Robert's will be missed. He was a great educator and friend to my father. My condolences to his his wife, Kevin (classmate) and family. God bless you.
Daniel Pethan (Former student) 2024-04-11 06:09:15
Dear Candy and Family, There are no easy words at a time like this. Deepest sympathies from my family and I. Tom was not only a teacher to some of our children but also a great and true friend to my late husband David Salm as well. He was a class act in the truest sense. A great man, who loved his wife, a wonderful person that taught his students about being a good and honest person, he believed in teaching the youth not only about the great outdoors but also about how to treat others with kindness. The community has lost a good soul. We are all better for having known Tom. Again, my sincere condolences, Tom is at peace with all those that led the way to eternal peace.
Alex Salm (Family Friend ) 2024-04-11 04:18:31
?????? Talk about a legend. Tom Roberts was the kind of teacher that you didn’t know you liked until you woke up one day and loved him. He kinda just gotcha like that. You spent most of your days thinking this is the hardest thing I will ever do … and then you do it and you realize that his class was one of the most rewarding things you ever had the pleasure to do. I hope he felt the same. We wish you well Candy and fam. What a beautiful lifetime.
Sharon (Hephner) Ludwig (Student/Friend) 2024-04-10 21:39:36
So sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. It is a blessing that he is in the arms of the lord and experiencing the greatest peace. He was such a giving man in so many was. God bless you and your family Candy.
Ken & Sandy Weber (Former student, club member, ) 2024-04-10 21:17:23
So sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. He was a fun person to be with.Enjoyed the many projects we worked on as Optimists. Candy and Tom were a great couple always lending a hand where needed. Rest in Peace dear friend.
Dean and Alice Connors (Friend) 2024-04-10 20:43:26
Tom was a great teacher! I enjoyed his classes. Such a great person. My condolences to Candy and family.
Deb Tasch (Old student) 2024-04-10 20:39:21
One of the best teachers and hunter safety instructors I have ever know.
Nathan Stroschein (Student ) 2024-04-10 20:27:28
My deepest condolences to Candy and family. He was a very good man. May his great memories be shared. I remember the great cookies that Tom and Candy would make. May he Rest In Peace. My prayers are with you.
Andrew Baranowski (Family friend) 2024-04-10 20:00:21
Mr. Roberts was a class act. I really enjoyed his class. He was one of my favorite teachers. He will be missed.
Jenny Dorn (Keuler) (Former student) 2024-04-10 19:25:03
Candy & Family you have my deepest sympathy and may God bless you. May Tom RIP!!!
Geary Spykerman (Chilton Neighbor) 2024-04-10 19:13:20
Roberts/Recha family, We are so sorry to hear of Mr. Roberts’s passing. I’m certain we drove him crazy every day in school, but he is one of those teachers that you remember forever. Our thoughts and hearts go out to you during this difficult time. Hold onto those great memories and know that he has made a difference in so many kids’ lives. Every time someone says “Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades” or “Put your heinie on the hemlock” I chuckle and think of Mr. Roberts. Sending love and comfort to the family.
Sara Mueller (Korb) and Jason Mueller (Former students) 2024-04-10 18:54:05
Our deepest condolences to your entire family . Tom was a great educator and neighbor.
Jay & Lisa Schwarz (Old Neighbor of the Schwarz Family /Teacher ) 2024-04-10 18:36:12
We love you!
Josh & Brenda Recha (Son & daughter in law) 2024-04-10 18:08:56
Candy I am so sorry to here about Tom. He was such a nice guy. May God Bless you and your family and may Tom R I P.
Betty. Blatz (Friend ) 2024-04-10 17:51:09
Candy and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Tom was gentleman and a friend to all.
Marty and Sue Seckel Family (Friends and students) 2024-04-10 17:16:56
So sorry for your loss
Sharon Verheyen (Co-worker of Candy) 2024-04-10 17:08:39
Wonderful teacher
Carol Olson (Student) 2024-04-10 14:48:51
So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Laurie Blasing (Vanne) (Neighbor ) 2024-04-10 14:42:00
Candy and the entire Roberts/Recha families. My sympathy to you all. He will surely be missed. I remember him forcing me to eat his venison steaks one day, completely against my will and I couldn’t believe it was so delicious. Ever since then I compare all venison steaks to his and none of them even get close. He made great venison . May the hunting grounds be bounty full in heaven. RIP
Denise Woelfel (Friend) 2024-04-10 13:20:33
Lisa and Family:My deepest sympathies for the loss of your Father. I remember he used to call me Babbling Bittner! He was a kind man, a great teacher not only for science, but hunter safety as well. May he rest in peace.
Barbara Bittner (Former Student of Tom and HS classmate of Lisa) 2024-04-10 13:19:49
Many fond memories of teaching across the hall from Tom. My favorite is Tom and Henry Gillig offering to get their guns to shoot the bird that accidentally flew into my classroom.
Carol Poppy (Coworker) 2024-04-10 13:12:21
Candy, so sorry for your loss. Mike always said Tom was a gentleman's, gentleman. Always fun to see the two of you. Let the good memories help you through this difficult time.
Mike and Doris Bennin (Friends) 2024-04-10 12:47:14
What a fine educator and very generous human being. I have very fond memories of working with Tom at Chilton Middle School. Sending my deepest condolences.
Donna Nett-Heus (Former colleague ) 2024-04-10 12:40:17
Sorry to hear about the loss of Tom. My prayers are with you through this tough time.
Patty Vanne (Friend) 2024-04-10 12:37:56
Submit Your Condolences
Photos
