Obituaries
Thomas M Parker
Jan. 30, 1949 - July 24, 2026 - Reedsville, WI
Funeral Service
Friday, July 31, 2026
2:00 pm
411 W Main St.
Chilton, WI 53014
Funeral Visitation
Friday, July 31, 2026
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
411 W Main St.
Chilton, WI
Thomas M Parker
Reedsville WI
Thomas (Tom) M. Parker, age 77, of Reedsville, died on July 24, 2026, after a brief illness surrounded by family at Aurora Medical Center in Two Rivers. He was born January 30, 1949, son of the late Lyman and Marion Parker. After high school he went to barber school and later earned his CDL becoming a truck driver until his retirement.
Tom lived his life with strong conviction. The things and the people he held passion for are too numerous to sum up in a few paragraphs. Those who knew him knew that the floorboards of his house bent in submission to the weight of the massive book collection he owned, none of which were fiction. Tom had a thirst for knowledge in a wide range of subjects; mainly war history, the old west, hunting stories, and political heroes. He also greatly enjoyed poetry from writers such as Walt Whitman and Dylan Thomas and even wrote some incredibly moving pieces of his own. Tom was a mixture of the “rough-around-the-edges” trucking, hunting, fishing, fix-it kind of guy, and the introspective, compassionate, and philosophical guy that you could sit and talk to for hours about deep, meaningful things.
Second only to his daughters, Tom would say the greatest achievement of his life was his little log cabin on his land in northern Wisconsin. Long before the days of “just YouTube it,” Tom taught himself how to build a log cabin from trees cut from his property. With the help of some friends and family members and some frightening and less-than-OSHA-compliant techniques, that cabin became a reality. Tom’s cabin was a place of so much joy throughout the years. It was visited by hunting buddies, family, friends, up north neighbors, and even the occasional stranger who happened down that secluded, dusty road that led to nowhere. And no matter who you were, Tom welcomed you with a smiling, wide-eyed “tell me your story” expression on his face. (Conversations with Tom always made you feel like you were the most fascinating person on the planet.) And 45 years later, that little cabin still stands strong, as testament to his intelligence and determination.
Tom’s daughters blessed him with grandchildren that turned him into a sage teacher, confidante and role model to the “next generation.” He did his best to pass on to this newest generation his passion for the wonders of nature, his silly humor, and his thirst for knowledge. He was blessed to then welcome several great-grandchildren into the loving arms of Grandpa GG. Tom was so proud of his big, beautiful, growing family.
It is impossible to summarize a life so far-reaching as Tom’s. Being a long-haul trucker, his reach was far and wide, and he surely has made a lasting impact on people all over this country. The world is certainly dimmer without the light of Tom Parker in it.
Thomas is survived by his two daughters Bobbi Palacios and Susan Parker; his significant other of 21 years Jan Helgeson; the mother of his children and his life-long friend Bev Parker; grandchildren Ashley Mancoske (Jake), Eva Palacios, CJ Palacios, Haley Pearson (fiance, Derek Pohl), Katie Kocian (special friend, Chris Kelaita), and Parker Nechodomu (special friend, Beckam Talley); great-grandchildren Maverick Mancoske, Jack Mancoske, Miller Mancoske, Asher Mancoske, and Aiden Pohl; a sister Mary Geier; brothers and sisters-in-law Patricia (Larry) Crowell, Vern Bauknecht, Larry (Barb) Bauknecht, Sue (Bob) Steeber, Mary (Gene) Savage, Rita (Monte) Simmons-Locklear, Bob (Marge) Bauknecht, Dave (Debbie) Bauknecht, Brian (Barb) Bauknecht, and Lori Bauknecht; and many nieces and nephews and other extended family.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Lyman and Marion; a brother: Richard Parker; and brothers-in-law: Mark Geier and Eugene Bauknecht.
The family would like to extend sincere appreciation for the care Tom received at Whitetail Estates CBRF and the Emergency Department and third floor medical and ICU staff at Aurora Medical Center.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, July 31, 2026, at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton. Friends may call from 12:00 pm until 2:00 pm at the funeral home on the day of service. Thomas will be laid to rest at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Chilton beside his parents and brother.
Condolences
I visited with Tom often when he was having a bad day. He was such a great person. He watched the Brewers with us sometimes. I really miss him.
Dorothy Duchow (Friend) 2026-08-06 09:43:47
I'm so very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I have such great memories of the Parker family when I was a kid: jeeping on Lake Winnebago and riding bikes with Bobbi & Susie are ones I recall the most. Wishing you smiles in your memories.
Keri (Krummen) Studinski (past neighbor) 2026-08-05 13:07:13
I briefly interacted with Tom at Harborview, while I provided direct care to someone else. He seamed sweet, lonely, and lost. Broke my heart to see him wandering around there. Dementia is evil. Hugs to the family.
Michelle Duchow (Care giver) 2026-08-05 11:11:28
Heaven just got a little brighter with the addition of Tom…A BIG personality, a terrific laugh, one liners, hilarious jokes, teaching my daughter the best way to eat her kitty cat, and a man sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face the second they see him. You will be so missed and will be thought of during those peaceful hunts as the sun touches at the horizon. Shoot straight buddy
Josh Justman (Hunting buddy) 2026-07-30 20:08:41
RIP Tom such a great friend
chris horst (classmate ) 2026-07-30 15:50:32
I am so sorry for your loss, he was always a great dad. Sending you love and prayers for the coming days. May you find comfort knowing that he is at peace now and awaiting your arrival some day.
Mary Ellen Pieper (Friend ) 2026-07-28 23:34:42
Sending caring thoughts!
Judy Woelfel (New Holstein) 2026-07-28 20:45:11
One of one in the humor, wit, and storytelling arena. An outdoorsman second to none. Kindness to the extent of putting a roof over our heads when we moved deer camps for a few seasons. We will miss that all and remember it all every fall when we still cross paths in the forests of Florence County.
Ryan (Deer Camp) 2026-07-28 20:00:32
One of one in the humor, wit, and storytelling arena. An outdoorsman second to none. Kindness to the extent of putting a roof over our heads when we moved deer camps for a few seasons. We will miss that all and remember it all every fall when we still cross paths in the forests of Florence County.
Ryan (Deer Camp) 2026-07-28 19:59:35
So sorry to hear of Tom‘s passing. When I think of Tom, it always puts a smile on my face. When we were about 15 we spent hours and hours in his dad‘s turbo Corvair driving back-and-forth on the Parkers long driveway. I guess we were practicing to get our learners permits. When we were 13 or 14 we built model cars together, and then blew them up with lighter fluid and fire crackers, the thing kids do. RIP tom
Jeff Courtice (CHS classmates ) 2026-07-28 19:04:17
Its a sad day, to hear the news of Tom's passing... although we feared it was coming. God bless you, Tom Parker! Most times we saw you, you were wearing blaze, and so happy to be in the north woods. I'll always remember your love of hunting, your good company and your knowledge of every swamp and high ground of the big woods we hunted! Few men will ever match the miles of forested territory you covered and knew so intimately; this is part of your legacy, my good friend! The photos shared these past days, from mutual friends, bring back sweet memories ... and smiles.
Parry Cartier (Deer hunting friend ) 2026-07-28 00:59:27
Tom was one of a kind. Taught me many lessons on how to live life the right way. We had many talks and laughs in the northwoods over the years that I will always cherish. RIP Buddy I will miss you. God Bless you.
Greg Hedrich (Hunting Buddy and Friend) 2026-07-27 20:52:44
Dear family, I haven't c seen Tom since we were little types running around your big house in Chilton. Our families path never crossed again and it sounds like I missed knowing a great man.may we meet again under God's guiding hand. Nancy parker
Nancy Parker (Cousin) 2026-07-27 18:05:29
Tom wrote a farewell and put it in Harry J.'s pocket as he laid in his casket. I have a copy of it for myself. Such a dear, honorable man!! He will be sorely missed!!!
Betty Justman (Friend) 2026-07-27 11:08:42
Tom, you brought smiles to everyone you encountered! Your woodsmanship skills were like none other. You were a caring man who loves his family and friends. Heaven gains another great soul! You will be remembered forever, Tom. I will miss our walks in the northwoods and the jokes and laughter! Probably why we didn't see any deer, ha! I love you bud and may God bless you!
Jon Justman (Friend and hunting buddy) 2026-07-27 10:54:26
Such a kind and wonderful guy. Self deprecating (which I love) and full of wonderful stories that made you laugh and filled your soul. I will always remember his smiling eyes and the grace he showed through his health difficulties. RIP Tom!
Quentin Cartier (Deer hunting buddy) 2026-07-27 09:41:11
Such a kind and wonderful guy. Self deprecating (which I love) and full of wonderful stories that made you laugh and filled your soul. I will always remember his smiling eyes and the grace he showed through his health difficulties. RIP Tim!
Quentin Cartier (Deer hunting buddy) 2026-07-26 18:14:45
He will truly be missed. There was no one I rather have a conversation with than Tom. They were always filled with a lot of laughs and great stories. Heaven is getting another great man.
Jack Albert (Friend ) 2026-07-26 15:19:25
One of the good guys, funny, and likeable, a good friend, and classmate. My condolences, and prayers, I send to his family. ??
Raymond zschaffer (High School Classmate) 2026-07-25 16:41:21
My deepest sympathies & prayers to the families. R.I.P. dear friend.
Kenneth Forstner (Classmate & Friend) 2026-07-25 15:59:43
One of the good guys I will miss his humor, stories, and woodsmanship Rest in peace Tom
Travis Boll (Deer camp) 2026-07-24 17:31:27
Mary and Family. I am so sorry for your loss hugs sent
Sandy Dietz (Friend of Mary) 2026-07-24 17:11:41
I haven't seen Tom since high school but he was my best friend in high school .I so many memories of Tom. Rip peace my dear old friend
Terry fluhr (High school friend) 2026-07-24 16:29:20
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