"Hey Gramps. My bosses husband passed away unexpectedly recently which had me thinking of how fickle life can be. I wish I wouldn't have been so far away at the end. You are missed and your thoughtful advice would have made a difference many times in my 20s. I wish you had a chance to see the life Shannon and I have built. Your great grandkids. Everything. Its so strange its been 8 years."
In loving memory of
Thomas N Tatham
September 3, 1944 - December 3, 2014
Thomas N. Tatham of Elcho ascended the stairway into heaven on December 3, 2014 at his home with his loving wife and family.
He was born September 3, 1944 in Chicago, IL to the late Robert and Alice (Falk) Tatham of Elcho. Tom was a graduate of Saint Patrick's High School in Chicago, IL and later studied business at Loyola University. He was a proud member of the 101st Airborne Division serving in Vietnam. He was married to and later divorced from Judith (Hopek) Tatham of Chicago, IL.
Tom then met and eventually married his wife Linda (Bonnell) Tatham. The couple enjoyed 24 years of marriage; she survives.
After numerous years of business in Chicago, Tom devoted nearly 20 years to Trig's in Rhinelander as a manager. He then retired to pursue his true passion, golf. Tom also enjoyed watching his Chicago teams, the Cubs and his beloved Bears, and spending time with his family. He celebrated 27 years of sobriety assisting individuals in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Tom organized, volunteered and led AA meetings at the Langlade County Jail and in Elcho where he forged many lifelong friendships.
Tom was a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Pelican Lake. He was a very proud grandfather who will be remembered for his sense of humor which he kept until the end. To know Tom was to love him and his absence will be felt by many for years to come.
In addition to his wife, survivors include: four children, Jennifer (Paul) Gray, Elcho, Tracy (Jeremy) Jansen, Pearson, Jason Wissbroecker, Grayslake, IL, and Cheryl (Tony DuValle) Tatham, Newald; seven grandchildren, Mason, Cody, Brandon, Nicole, Taylor, Hope and T.J; a sister, Colleen (George) Zorb, Fort Collins, CO and their children, George Zorb and Susan Larson and a brother, Robert (Winnie) Tatham, Deerbrook and their children, Ryan and Karyn Tatham; sisters-in-law, Carol Roehring, Shirley Servi, Midge (Jim) Tatro and Rita Bonnell; brothers-in-law John (Donnell) Bonnell, Ted (Carol) Bonnell and Ron (Theresa) Bonnell; many nieces and nephews; and numerous wonderful friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law, Patricia (Louis) Drake; brothers-in-laws, Richard, Joseph, Jerome, Thomas and Dave; and his aunt, Sister Roberta (Madeline) Tatham, SJ.
A funeral Mass will be held on Monday at 12 p.m. at St. John Catholic Church, Pelican Lake with Reverend Thomas Thakadipuram officiating. Burial will take place in Elcho Cemetery where Elcho veterans will conduct military honors. Visitation will be 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at the Bradley Funeral Home and 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday at the church. A parish wake service will be held Sunday at 5 p.m. at the funeral home.
Tributes
"Linda, I'm sorry for your loss. I only now discovered this obit and just wanted to convey my sincere condolences. He was a major role model for me when I first moved to the Elcho area and he helped me a lot. God Bless."
"So sorry to hear off Tom's passing. God's blessings be with you during this holiday time without Tom being with you. "
"Linda, and Family I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Tom was a great man, he did so many things to help people. His casual conversation and wonderful attitude touched so many lives, mine was one of them. I'm sure he has a special place in Heaven. He was my friend, and he will be missed. Michael Jones"
"Linda, Tracy and Family, Sorry to hear about the passing of Tom. Our sympathy goes out to you all. The loss of a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather is great, but the memories of having him in your life are greater. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers. Greg & Kellie Nowack (Sus)"
"I visited with Tom often at Trig's. He was always so helpful and friendly. My best to his family."
"To the family of Tom, My deepest sympathy to you all as you mourn the loss of such a wonderful man, you all called husband, father, grandfather & uncle, I had the honor to call him my friend. I worked with Tom @ Trig's in Rhinelander and there was never a bad day at work when he was there. He always had a smile on his face! May God give you all peace and comfort today and all the days ahead. R.I.P Tom"
"Dear Linda, we were so sorry to hear about Tom. We all were lucky to call him a friend. I know his friendship was very important to Jeff. Please know you and all your family are in our hearts and prayers. Much love Jeffrey, Lisa and Vicki Hurst"
"Linda, I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was one of those special patients to me. He reminded me of my own father and father in law. He fought a hard battle, may he and your family be at peace. So grateful I got to meet you both. Mary O, SCU /IR nurse."
"Linda and family, We are so very sorry to hear of your loss of Tom, he always had a smile and seemed so kind. We know he is in a good place now, you are all in our prayers. RIP Tom"