Tom Engel

Uncle Tom loved playing with our boys and they loved being rambunctious and silly with him. Tom was thoughtful and always ready for a good conversation and laughs shared. I remember the day after my wedding I was exhausted and mentioned wanting peanut M&Ms - Tom disappeared and then returned a bit later with a big ol bag of them. He had silently and quickly popped out to get them. It sounds minimal but it meant a lot to me and is just one example of the many ways Tom was thoughtful and listening to those around him. His legacy of love and strength will live on in his beautiful family. Tom we think of you often, miss you much and will always rally around Maggie, Mike/Tess, and Emily/Spencer with love, laughter and strength. Love- Maegan, David and Boys

We came to know Tom best in the year he and Maggie lived just down the street from us in 2018. Living so far apart for so many years had supplied a number of family occasions to share, thankfully, but in brief intervals. What still stands out in our minds is his unrelenting optimism and faith, and industrious attitude about using his time well. This was a challenging time for him, but it was clear he didn’t have reservations about trying a different path, and that was true about work, projects for, and about their home, and volunteering his time. He had a generous spirit, and enjoyed engaging people in conversation, including being silly with our young grandsons, which they enjoyed immensely. We were so fortunate to have had that time. It was always clear that his deepest commitment was to Maggie, Michael and Emily, being the best husband, father and person that he could be. We are all touched by the light of others, gratefully so.

We came to know Tom best in the year he and Maggie lived just down the street from us in 2018. Living so far apart for so many years had supplied a number of family occasions to share, thankfully, but in brief intervals. What still stands out in our minds is his unrelenting optimism and faith, and industrious attitude about using his time well. This was a challenging time for him, but it was clear he didn’t have reservations about trying a different path, and that was true about work, projects for, and about their home, and volunteering his time. He had a generous spirit, and enjoyed engaging people in conversation, including being silly with our young grandsons, which they enjoyed immensely. We were so fortunate to have had that time. It was always clear that his deepest commitment was to Maggie, Michael and Emily, being the best husband, father and person that he could be. We are all touched by the light of others, gratefully so.

Sadly, we cannot attend Tom's memorial. We knew Tom only a short time before he passed. He was very engaging and made us feel right at ease when we first met him. We liked him immediately! It wasn't very long after we met, he became our daughter's, father-in-law. We were delighted, to have him and his whole family in ours. We are grateful to him and Maggie for being so kind to our daughter over the years when she lived in Colorado. We live in Florida and didn't get to visit as much as we would have liked. Tom was so full of life and fun; we miss him and were incredibly saddened by his passing. Sending love to Maggie, Mike, Tess, Emily and Spencer. James and Tami Brewer

Tom was an amazing and caring man. He was a mentor and a friend and Im so glad I had the opportunity to work with him all those years ago in Fort Collins. Ive thought about him often since then. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Maggie.

When I was a kid my little brother drove me crazy, he just loved to get under my skin. I remember Tom agreeing with me that he was a little s***. It was decades ago but I’ll always remember that validation. Even in recent years I was impressed with how he had the ability to really understand and appreciate me. I hope he knew how much he meant to me. Maggie, Mike and Emily; I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed so much by so many. We send our love your way.

Tom was a wonderful person who had a great sense of responsibility and friendship. I will miss him!

Tom will be greatly missed. He was sincere and honest in all the times we worked together. Wish there could have been more time for him here.

My good friend Tom died from the corona virus on Good Friday. I see the stories of the lucky survivors and am happy for them. But there was no such luck for Tom. Tom and I drove across the southeast US a few years back. It wa a hoot. We both liked the same music. Blues and blues-based rock. Im glad we had that time and so many others together. Things wont be quite the same without him.

Im truly sorry for the loss of Tom. He was a great leader and will be truly missed. He was a hard worker and very compassionate. I enjoyed the time he was our manager at UCR. He had such a great sense of humor and smile. Even when he would trash talk during football season. Go Buckeyes.

My namesake uncle Tom gave me a police record in the late 70's knowing I played drums that I listen to - to this very day,I will think about him everytime I listen to it.i played in Butte ,Mt and he brought the whole family down to watch my band = fond memories!!!!!

I met Tom and Maggie when they both became Bigs in the Big Brother/Big Sister program in Tucson, Az in the 80s. They also met each other there, and that turned into a lifetime match. Maggie and kids, he was a great man, always kind, caring and loving. He had a huge heart that made room for everyone. My deepest condolences to all his family. If only all of us could be as honorable.

We were privileged to get to know the Engel family while they lived in Middleton (near Madison) as our neighbor and friends. I also worked for a short time with Tom at UWMF. Tom was a positive and caring individual with a sincere interest in others and a great sense of humor. We were impressed by their familys kindness towards others, including their holiday stints at Madisons soup kitchen serving the homeless. Tom will be sorely missed by all who were blessed to know such a delightful individual.

The first time I met Tom involved way too many margaritas but I knew he liked my friend Maggie a lot. He had to pass my testing him and he did with a smile and perfectly calm. I knew hed hang in for the long haul. His love for Maggie and the two awesome humans they raised is enviable. I remember many fun times and houses along the way. Always a good couple and family. Those who deeply love are missed the most.

Tom was always friendly and willing to lend a hand. We enjoyed getting to know him and his family as neighbors and friends while living next to them in Middleton, WI. He was always positive and had a great story to share. Our deepest condolences to his family. The Bruhns

I met Tom 43 years ago on our first day at Marquette University registering for classes. We became instant friends and having met all the girls at my dorm (Tom lived off campus) he became known as "Nursing Tom". I believe the day we met his hair was long and he was sporting a beard. His look changed to a mustache and curly hair (perms were in). When I met my husband sophomore year also named Tom I was so happy that my friend Tom Engel and he became instant buddies. Tom was back in Milwaukee at the time that my husband and I had our first child (1984). We actually lived in the same two family house: the Reuter's on the first floor and Tom on the second floor. He was a stand in for Tom's brother as god father to our son Andrew. We were honored when Tom asked Tom Reuter (my husband) to be best man at his wedding to Maggie. Later we were honored again to both be god parents to Emily. There are too many stories and not enough space to fill 43 years of friendship. However, as I look at this picture of Tom from Emily's wedding that is the person who I met 43 years ago: smiling, caring, loving, and proud. Tom always ended every text with "Love you Guys". He was so in love with his wife Maggie. He was so very proud of Mike and Emily. He cared about others and would you give the shirt off his back. Someone once told me that if you open your hand and can count on five people in your life that you can call if you need someone then you are very lucky person. I can say that Tom P Engel was one of these people. You will be forever missed my friend but never forgotten.

There are so many great memories from 42 years of friendship. As classmates in college, enjoying each other's weddings and spending time together with our families in Milwaukee, Madison, Fort Collins and on vacation in Montana and Wyoming. Tom was a great man with such a kind heart. He will be missed dearly. Our love to Maggie.

I have very fond memories of spending time with Tom over the past 50 years. A few that stand out most. 1. We were living in Olivia, MN, and I was still in high school, so probably about 1980, he came to visit us for a few days. We did lots of things but playing one on one basketball in the hay loft of the barn and playing tennis in town stand out the most. Even though he was older, he would never “throw” a game; he always made you earn it. That same visit we cut down a tree and needed to haul the branches to the landfill brush site. It wasn’t very far away so we didn’t tie them down and ended up losing the entire truck load into the ditch. He was not very happy! 2. When Don and Dorothy moved to Austin they had new landscaping put in around the house. We all got together to help. Tom took it upon himself to be the beverage guy and showed up with a 16 gallon keg of beer. Everyone that was of age, was happy. 3. Your family made it to 2 of the Engelrama celebrations at our house in Marshfield. Those early Engelrama’s had Cowboy Golf tournaments. At one of them, Tom was frustrated or showing off and threw one of the golf ball strings really high and got it stuck in the tree. We didn’t get it down until we cut the tree down.

When I think of my Uncle Tom, many memories come to mind - but the overall memory I have of Tom is that each time I saw him, he always made me feel special. He would always listen to what I was saying and respond with an understanding that was filled with intuition. He had the ability to know exactly how I was feeling and respond with exactly what I needed. The last time I saw Tom, in our conversation, he mentioned how thankful he was for my family - my brothers and sisters. He always felt close to each of us and was thankful that he had that in his life. Looking back on that conversation brings thoughts of happiness and sadness - happy that he felt that in his life and sad because I/we won't be able to share these moments with him in the future. I know that Tom AND my Dad are looking down on all of us and showering us all with their love.

Back in the early 70s, for a few consecutive years, I really enjoyed going to Don & Dorothy’s for a week, during my birthday (mid-August). I would request it, every year. One of those years, Tom was still at home. I remember the music he used to play (Deep Purple, The Grass Roots, Bread, Chicago); and this likely had some influence as to what I enjoy today. His high school friend, Kent would come over often and we would tease them; and then get into some trouble with them. Depending on the situation, Tom would tell Dorothy; or either of them would pin us down or put us in head locks. Then Don would come to our rescue and tell Tom, “leave those kids alone!”

Tom was a wonderful Uncle. He never wanted us to call him Uncle Tom, just Tom. I have many fond memories. The summers staying with Grandma and Grandpa in Grand Meadow. Cathy and I would always tease Tom about his girlfriend or just be the annoying nieces. I remember one time he and his friend Kent tied us up because we were bugging him, and he had had enough. Always fun and he was always smiling and laughing. Cathy and I went to visit him in Milwaukee in the ‘80’s. He drove us to a party in his orange 2-seater sports car. His license plate was CCU- RN. I had to sit in the middle on the clutch. It was a fun party! Always a good time with Tom. I remember he had hundreds of record albums and he introduced us to Fleetwood Mac- Rumors. That became one of my favorite albums of all time! He was always such a great listener and he was always interested in what was happening in my life.

So many memories of Uncle Tom (he never liked to be called that). From my childhood spending time in Grand Meadow to an adult he was always a constant presence. He lit up a room, he was a great listener and he had genuine care and concern for everyone. To me he was more of a big brother than an Uncle. Thank you to Tom for all he gave to me and my family. • He helped me buy my first record album, Rumors by Fleetwood Mac. I still have it. He also introduced me to the band “Bread”. Every time I hear one of their songs I think of Tom. • He made the time we spent in Grand Meadow in the summers so much fun. We drove him crazy!! • He took the time to write ideas (on pink napkins) and gave a speech at my wedding to Greg. I still have those napkins after all these years. • He was at my children’s weddings and made it very special. Tom will always have a very special place in my heart. He made the time we spent with him so memorable and full of love and laughter.

As a four-year old, Tom was the ring bearer in our wedding (1959). He was always inquisitive and adventurous. With his tuxedo on, we walked down the aisle and found his place on a small stool not too far from the alter gate. (Ginger was the flower girl and she was on the opposite side) We knelt before the priest as he said prayers. Tom noticed the gate and promptly investigated it’s movement etc. Seeing that it indeed was mobile, he took the liberty to hold on to it and swing on it. Don and Dorothy were right in front and became quite nervous with his activity, but Dorothy said to Don, “just leave him alone.” On the altar, Dave, too was aware of Tom’s activity. He whispered to me if he should go get him? I smiled back at him and whispered, “he’s fine.” All was well and ended well. A comment from two of my fun-loving uncles was, “Tom really “added” some spirit to the ceremony!” Good job, Tom, you made the day perfect! As we all are who believe, Tom clothed himself with compassion, kindness, humility, and patience. Above all, he clothed himself with love which binds everything together. The peace of Jesus ruled in his heart. Because of this presence of love, he could see, meet, talk with and humor himself and others – all to the Glory of God. Colossians 3: 12-15 This caring support was shown to our family when David was at care centers, and especially during his last weeks before he died. Tom had a wonderful wardrobe of Love that he shared willingly!!

I'm so very sorry for this loss, not just for you and the kids, but to humanity. He was such a good man, and you two together were unstoppable.

I am devastated to hear about Tom. There is just nothing that I can say, but I want you and your children to know that Tom has always been an incredibly kind and thoughtful man to me and to everyone at the Fort Collins Surgery Center over so many years.

Liza and I are shattered and heartbroken. I am so sorry for your loss. Tom was a beautiful man with an enormous caring heart. Everyone around here who knew him loved him. We'll never forget him...I'll certainly never forget the way he would peer over his reading glasses at me whenever I said something stupid, or how he never hesitated to get his hands dirty fauling medical waste to the dumpster all day long in Honduras, when he could have easily taken a more cushy job registering patients or helping with supplies. I hope you find some comfort in remembering what an exceptional human being Tom truly was.

When I think of your dad, I think of walking out of the NoCo ice rink and having him there to tell me good game when I didn’t have my own parents there to do it. I think of nights we spent at your house watch weeds and your dad giving me shit for everything my punk ass did. And I think of him always calling me sugartits, even in my high school graduation card. He was an incredible human that made a lasting impact on anyone who knew him. I can’t imagine what you and your family are feeling right now but I am so sorry for your loss of that beautiful human. The man he was will always be present in you and mike and the way he taught you to live your life. He has always been and will always be your number one fan and so proud of you for everything you are. I hope he knows how much I loved him back. I wasn’t always the kind of kid the parents liked a whole lot but Tom was a real one and he saw me. And even at that age I could feel the comfort in that. I always appreciated that about him - his genuine acceptance.

Your dad and I spoke for a while during your wedding. It was as if I was speaking to you 30 years from now, and I'll cherish that preview forever. It was as if the purported burdens of our young age just didn't matter anymore. He was curious to know what I was going to do next with my career. I admitted that I didn't know and I'm a bit scared about it. He said: "Don't worry, you've got style!" He gave me a rare feeling of assurance and I won't forget it, because I feel it in our friendship as well.

Tom is the warmest most welcoming, funny dad, I’ve loved all the times we’ve got to spend with him. I don’t know what to say.

I met Tom last year and instantly knew he was fantastic person. Maggie, Tom and Emily are all top notch wonderful people. I spoke to Tom maybe 2 months ago while I was driving by Monona working and I just randomly called to check in and am sure glad I did. It led to us chatting for quite some time with a lot of laughs and smiles. I always hung up from talking to Tom with a smile on my face feeling better about everything. Wish I would have gotten to know him better! He had the best personality and sense of humor. He was such an unbelievably kind man!!! They don’t make them like that anymore.