Thomas Wilke

Thomas J. Wilke, age 72, died peacefully on August 8, 2014, at Agrace HospiceCare surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born on Dec. 9, 1941, the son of Earl J and Margaret Wilke. He attended Edgewood Campus School and Edgewood High School. Tom graduated from the UW with a degree in Landscape Architecture. He started his landscape career with Flad Architects and would start his partnership with McKay Nursery on Jan 2, 1967. Tom loved helping people create beautiful yards and often continued working with them for many years and developed wonderful friendships. He continually was on the list of top ten representatives of McKay Nursery, often number one. At the same time, Tom started his own landscape construction company and was proud that his family joined him in this endeavor, especially his son, Joe. His three grandsons are sometimes found on the planting crew while daughter, Molly and granddaughter, Emily could seamlessly fit into the office routine when needed. Tom married his forever love, Susan Deters, on November 24, 1966. After helping Tom raise their two children, she worked full time in his office and claimed the title of CEO.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Susan; son, Joe; and daughter, Molly; four grandchildren, Emily, Zachary, Jacob and Thomas; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Tim and Carol Hannemann, Jim and Nancy Reyzer, Bob and Barbara Deters; nieces and nephews; and special cousin, Joan Spahr.

Friends may call on Tuesday, Aug., 19, 2014, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon at the CRESS CENTER, 6021 University Ave., Madison. A reception will follow with friends and family. Burial will take place in RESURRECTION CEMETERY in Madison at 2:30 p.m.

Thank you to Dr. Jim Gutenberger for rescuing Tom 13 years ago and continuing to encourage him through all these transplant bonus years. Thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff at the UW liver transplant unit. The whole experience was truly a life altering gift.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Middleton Restoring Hope Transplant House, the UW Health - Organ Donor Education Fund or Agrace HospiceCare.