Arden E. Thom, age 99, of Ripon, WI, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 14, 2018, at University Hospital in Madison, WI, surrounded by his family.
Arden was born on November 18, 1918 in the Town of Mount Morris, WI, the son of Fred and Erna (Berglin) Thom. He worked as a farm hand where he met the love of his life, Evelyn Altnau. They married on May 27, 1950, at Our Saviour's United Church of Christ in Ripon. He retired from Speed Queen after working there for over 34 years, and was a member of the Speed Queen Retirement Club. Arden loved to go hunting and fishing, and also enjoyed polka dancing, playing cards, gardening, and wine making. He cherished his time with his family and friends.
Arden is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Evelyn Thom of Ripon, WI; two sons, Michael (Bonnie) Thom of Berlin, WI and Larry Thom of Ripon, WI; two daughters, Amy Petermann of Neshkoro, WI and Lori (Dowe) Schweder of Princeton, WI; ten grandchildren, Nikki (Kenneth) Cherek, Randi (Stacey) Thom, Michael (Kathleen) Thom, Melissa (Michael) Stacpoole, Rose Petermann, Emily Petermann, Bennett Petermann, Arley Petermann, Hanna Schweder, and Jacob Schweder; ten great-grandchildren; one brother, Lyle Thom of Wautoma, WI. He was further survived by many nieces and nephews. Arden is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Erna Thom; one brother, Ervin Thom; three sisters, Ellen Donnan, Gertrude James, and Charlotte Abel; four brothers-in-law, Robert James, Douglas Donnan, Clifford Abel, and Hilary (Gelene) Altnau; and two sisters-in-law, Connie Thom and Ardene Thom.
A visitation for Arden will be held from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at Our Saviour's United Church of Christ, 343 Scott Street, Ripon, WI, 54971.
A funeral service for Arden will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at Our Saviour's United Church of Christ in Ripon, with Rev. Dr. Kevin P. Mundell officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Ripon. A memorial is being established.
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