Thornton, Thomas

Thomas “Tom” Thornton, age 69, passed away peacefully with family at his side on Friday, May 17, 2024

at ThedaCare Medical Center-Waupaca.

Tom grew up in Menasha in a close-knit Sixth Street neighborhood, where friends made became friends for life. He graduated from Menasha High School and worked at Winnebago Color Press for over 20 years.

Tom’s sanctuary was nature: he loved to fish, hunt, walk a trail, or simply feed a squirrel. He especially enjoyed spending time at the family cottage in Mountain, where his dad had taught him to fly fish for trout on the Oconto River and hunt pheasants and partridge on area trails.

Tom had his mom’s huge heart and enjoyed helping people. He was both social and independent, living life on his own terms. He was also an avid Milwaukee Brewers fan, preferring to listen to Bob Uecker on the radio versus watching the Brewers on an app or TV.

Tom is survived by his sisters: Betty Thornton (Chuck Gore), Winneconne and Donna (Ron)
Wiles, Oshkosh; his niece, Rhiannan Wiles, Kewaunee; his girlfriend Christine O’Leary,
Waupaca; and several cousins and friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Genevieve (Buzanowski) Thornton.

Our family wishes to thank the staff of ThedaCare at Home Hospice and the staff of ThedaCare Medical Center-Waupaca for their excellent and compassionate care of Tom. We also wish to express our heartfelt thanks to Dan Dillon for his years of kindness, help and friendship. And Christine, you were ALWAYS there for Tom, and we can’t thank you enough for your many years of love and support.

Per Tom’s wishes, no services will be held. Instead, think of Tom when you cast a line, feed a squirrel, nap in a duck blind or walk a trail- and know he’s smiling!

The Holly Funeral Home of Waupaca is assisting the family with arrangements.