Thomas John Grade

Thomas J. Grade, age 87, of Waunakee, passed away on Tuesday, May 3, 2022.  He was born on December 23, 1934, in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Edwin and Ruth (Helmle) Grade.  He attended Rufus King High School and while in high school enlisted in the Navy.  He attended UW-Milwaukee for 2 years where he met, his wife, Bobbie. He transferred to UW-Madison and graduated with a degree in Art Education. Following graduation he began active duty in Norfolk, VA.  He married Roberta L. Jensen on June 7, 1958, in Milwaukee, WI.

After leaving active-duty Tom joined the Naval Reserves retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. He began his teaching career and worked in several schools in Beloit and Madison before retiring after 30 years. During that time, he had a positive impact on many of his students and made many friends.

Family was very important to Tom, and he loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. He attended their activities as often as possible. Tom’s hobbies were varied and many. He enjoyed photography, kayaking, woodworking and carving, and belonged to the Mad City Paddler’s and Capital Area Carvers of Wisconsin. He also volunteered as an usher at the Overture Center and was involved at Peace Lutheran Church where he was a Charter Member. One of his favorite activities in his later years was meeting friends for lunch at the Senior Center in Waunakee.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Kristin (Jim) Michels; their children, Kelsey, Jordan (Luke) Skoda, and Taylor (fiancé Sean McGibbon); his son, Tom (Deana); their children, Derek and Brandon; and his son, John (Tracy); their children Genevieve, Sonia, Blanca, and Portia; and great-grandchild, Levi Skoda and one more to be born in November.  He is further survived by his brothers, Richard and Russell Grade; his sister-in-law, Karen (Emmett) Braselton; and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, William and Genevieve Jensen; his wife Bobbie; his brother, Larry; and daughter-in-law, Sarah Grade.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Waunakee Senior Center in Tom’s name.

A memorial service will be held on Wed. June 1, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Waunakee. Friends may call at the church on Wed from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home

5785 Hwy Q

Waunakee, WI