Terry Lee Thomas

Terry Lee Thomas, age 76, passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023. Terry was born on January 6, 1947, in Madison, Wisconsin. He was raised in Waunakee and attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School and Waunakee High School. He was a triple star athlete, playing basketball, football, and baseball. Following high school graduation, he played for the Home Talent baseball league in Waunakee while attending the University of Wisconsin Madison and Madison Area Technical College where he received his degree in Business. Terry married Kay (Smith) Thomas from McFarland and they moved to Crystal Lake, Illinois. He was a Public Relations Manager for International Harvester and CR Industries in Chicago, Illinois for 17 years. Terry and his family later moved to Waukesha, where he worked for an Advertising Agency in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  

Terry was a gifted writer and public speaker. He would strike up a conversation with anyone and immediately make a connection.  He enjoyed crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and watching his favorite movies and shows. Sports were a significant part of Terry’s life. He spent many years coaching youth basketball with WBC and baseball. Terry truly had a passion for developing youth in sports and forming strong connections. Throughout the years many have stayed in touch and inquired about him. It is clear he built everlasting relationships and had a very positive impact on the development of those kids.  He also played and coached with the Land O’ Lakes -Waukesha Adult baseball league. Additionally, Friday nights he loved working the chains at Waukesha North High School football games.

Terry also had a passion for officiating High School and Junior College basketball. He became a member of the WIAA (Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association) and traveled throughout Southeast Wisconsin officiating games for nearly 18 years.

Terry is survived by his children Kari Thomas, Pewaukee; Brad (Jessica) Thomas, Lebanon, WI and his grandchildren Lauren (Dan) Roche, Sun Prairie, WI; Ashlyn, Nolan & Fletcher Thomas, Lebanon, WI as well as his siblings Robert (Barbara) Bradbury of England; Danny (Susheela) of California; Michele Ballweg of Waunakee; Lisa Thomas (Rich Hellenbrand) of Middleton; Kim (Mike) McCluskey of Waunakee; Tom (Lisa) Thomas of Arizona; Renee (Tim Ducklow) of Madison; Harry Buchannan, brother-in-law, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. Terry is preceded in death by his parents Robert & Suzanne Thomas, siblings Pamela Buchannan and Robin Thomas, and brother-in-law, Ronald Ballweg.

Funeral services will be held on Friday Aug 4, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St John’s Catholic Church 209 South St Waunakee. Burial will take place in the church cemetery with a reception to follow at Rex’s Innkeeper in Waunakee.

 Special thanks to the nurses, staff and volunteers at AngelsGrace Hospice in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin as well as all the family and friends who touched Terry’s life.

                                                                   Winn-Cress Funeral Home

                                                                                 5785 Hwy Q

                                                                                Waunakee, WI