Thomas Winder Wickersham

Found peace May 31, 2016, Age 77 of complications of Parkinsons disease. Treasured husband of Pat Nylen, 32 years. Beloved brother-in-law of Lori Nylen and William (Jacqueline Jaronski) Nylen. Dear uncle of Ashley and Katie Nylen. Fond step brother to Joyce (Roger) Franks, Newell Mike (Pat) Jones, and Carol (John) Dowd and many step nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by cherished parents Ruth Winder and Raymond Holbrook Wickersham, much loved stepmother Ardrice Marcus Wickersham, and Dearest first wife, Laurel Webb Peckham.

Born in Richland Center, Wisconsin he moved to many places in his youth most notably Atlanta, Georgia where he was awarded his PhD. in Organic Chemistry from Georgia Tech in 1968. His last move was from Houston, Texas to Milwaukee where he spent his professional career at Aldrich Chemical Company ultimately as the Manager of Stains and Dyes Division.

How to distill the person and the life of Tom in an obit is a hard job indeed. He was infinitely curious, generous always with his possessions and talents, hard thinking and working and ever faithful and supportively loving to his sweetheart of 40 years, Pat. His dry sense of humor, intellect and wit were legend.

The loves of his life included all things outdoors, hiking North Georgia mountains, solo backpacking in Yosemite and the Olympics, canoeing, cross country skiing; annual vacations to Door County and Sylvania Wilderness in the UP, passionate student of Classical Music, all aspects of Chemistry, tending our extensive shrub and perennial gardens, with a particular affinity for roses and daylilies, woodworking, Mr Fix It of this old RanchORama house, fine coffee snob, chocolate and more chocolate please, champion of the 20 minute nap, chatting with our River neighbors on daily two mile walks with beloved Cardigan Corgi Dylan and New Kid Ferris and survivor of 40 years with Siameezer siblings Mork & Mindy, then George & Gracie.

A kind and gentle man who will be forever missed by those who loved him.

Memorial Gathering at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee; on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 11:00 AM to 2:45 PM. Memorial Service at 3:00 PM.

Memorials appreciated to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Salvation Army or St Ben's Meal Program.