Thomas M Casey

MADISON-Thomas M. Tom Casey, age 58, a longtime resident of Madison, died on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at Trinity Senior Community in Madison. He was born in Oak Park, Ill., the son of George Casey and June (Malloy) Casey of Wheaton, Ill. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, James Casey. Tom graduated from Lawrence University in Appleton in 1977 with a degree in Government and from the University of Wisconsin- Madison receiving a degree in Physical Therapy in 1987. Tom led a fascinating life, mastering many crafts and professions including carpentry, cabinet-making, yoga instruction and physical therapy. He cultivated a life long interest in alternative medicine and several times traveled to Puna, India to study yoga with BKS Iyengar. He combined eastern and western approaches to health as he treated spinal and back pain through his Physical Therapy practice at Meriter Hospital. Tom had a fierce love of life and was a 20 year survivor of brain cancer. The past decade of his life centered on his rehabilitation from a near-fatal automobile accident he suffered in 2000. Tom\'s courage, perseverance and fighting spirit in meeting these multiple challenges inspired his many friends and those providing his health care. He was a very loyal and demanding friend with a sly sense of humor who made and kept friendships spanning decades. We would like to give sincere thanks to the doctors, nurses, clinics, and hospitals of Madison, to Tom\'s teams at Care Wisconsin, and to the staff at the numerous Care Facilities, all of whom gave Tom such generous and excellent care. A special thank you to Tom\'s close circle of friends. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at noon, on Wednesday, June 29, 2011. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. Memorials may be sent to Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI 53704. A memorial celebration of Tom\'s life is being planned for the fall of 2011. Memorials: Memorials may be sent to Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI 53704. Visitation: Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday. Service: Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at noon, on Wednesday, June 29, 2011.