Thomas Leo Dunne

Thomas was born at Black River Falls and raised in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. He is survived by his wife, Jane Dunne (nee Lemke), his six siblings Joseph Dunne, Jr. (Ellyn), Steve Dunne (Bernie), Maureen Dunne, Tim Dunne (Renni), Robert Dunne, and Anet Dunne, and nieces and nephews: Bridget & Kathleen; Jerod, Allyn, Ben, and Mary; Emily & Patrick; Stephanie & Samantha; Shannon, Mandaline, & Gracee; and Abigale. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Joseph P. and Geraldine C. Dunne, and his father-in-law, Charles W. Lemke.

He graduated from Pewaukee High School in 1974, earned his Bachelor’s degree at UW-Oshkosh in 1983, and took his MA degree in Sociology from UW-Milwaukee in 1990.

Tom was an avid reader and book collector. He and Jane spent countless blissful hours rummaging old book shops here at home, and wherever they traveled. He built shelves for their book collection and thereafter this library was Tom’s favorite room in the house.

He enjoyed writing poetry and prose, with some works appearing in local and national publications. Music was also a cherished avocation. He has played piano in several rock n' roll bands over the years, and enjoyed writing and recording country-style songs in his home studio and, of course, jamming with any musicians who were available.

Jane and Tom honeymooned in Maine, and vacationed there many times. They always brought their own lobster pot, rented a cabin by the sea, and cooked up plenty of lobsters and sipped white wine. Of course, they over-indulged occasionally and enjoyed every minute of it.

Tom often began his day in the solitude of the the early morning. He loved to witness the new day arrive when the night-time critters withdrew and the day-time critters appeared. The first whistle of a sleepy cardinal, or the rustling of leaves on the first wisp of the morning breeze filled him with a calm that stayed with him throughout the busy day. In the evening, he took great pleasure in having a glass of wine with Jane, reading in their library, and listening to his Mozart.

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Thank you Reverend Monsignor Donn J. Heiar, Jr. of St. Joseph Parish in Fort Atkinson, and my care team at Advocate Aurora in Summit: Dr. Adam Siegel, Dr. Ellen Ziaja, PA Deanna Ficke, Nurses Lynn, Heather and Britta, and my dietician, Jessica. Thank you to Rainbow Hospice, especially Chaplain Steve Steele who provided comfort as well as wise and loving spiritual counseling. Special thanks to Renee Lenhard of Pagenkopf Funeral Home and to Brad Kozlowski.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to my sister Maureen’s non-profit organization, The Stone Soup Project. They provide freshly prepared, nutritious meals to individuals and families who are hungry. Learn more at: www.TheStoneSoupProject.org.

It has been said that we never truly die because our spirit lives on in the hearts of our loved ones. This I believe to be so.

You entered my life, left a lasting imprint, and then left – sometimes much too soon. Your death left a void in my heart that could only be filled with the gray shadow of your memory. This did, however, allow me to move through life as if you were still with me. You will never be forgotten.

In memoriam: Brian Savall, Joe Wist, Dan McCormick, Perry Woolley, Duane Wasley, Geno Gruber, Karl Ylvisaker, Steve Zoschke, Anton Kruza, Jim Babe, Sam Lapp, Howie Cleveland, Ray Kemp; my cousins Mary Catherine Ciccolella and Maureen Dunne-Tank and her daughter, Lauren Tank. My own parents, Jane’s father, and so many others. I will certainly be in good company.

To my siblings, Joe, Steve, Maureen, Tim, Annie, Rob; to my nieces and nephews, Bridget &Kathleen, Jerod, Allyn, Ben, and Mary, Emily & Patrick, Stephanie & Samantha, Shannon, Mandaline, Gracee, and Abigale; to my dear cousins Janie, John & Kathy, Mary Rose and Nettie: I love you and thank you for all of the goodness and good times you shared with me.

To my dearest mother-in-law, Mary Lemke, and Jane’s kind and loving family: Carol & Doug, Chuck, and Pete & Melissa. I am fortunate and proud to have married into such a good and kind family.

To my all of my friends, especially Bill & Maureen Wist, Larry Ripani, Ingo & Lori Lenhard, Jim Cory, Scott Forrett, Bob Harrington, Joe Burgarino, Jim & Cathy Whittaker, Al & Sue Wasley, Terry Clancy, Karl Ralian and the Kemp boys: Paul, Mike, Tom and Ray. I lived a better life because you were in it – thank you!

During this illness there were times when I cried out (silently, of course): I’m not ready to die. I can’t abandon my family and my friends, and especially my Jane! Ultimately, I finally realized and accepted that death is as natural as life itself, and that I have been blessed with a good and fulfilling life. I am now prepared to graciously and humbly accept this Divine invitation that beckons me home.

I believe we will all be together again and the pain of this parting will be erased. Until then, please hold my memory gently in your heart so there might always be light, hope and the promise of an eternal tomorrow. Solace and comfort will soon come your way, and maybe this snippet of conversation from a Rousseau novel will help to remind you:

No, I do not leave you; I go to await you.

Tom