Thomas Craig Spowart

MONONA-Thomas C. Spowart, age 76, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2013, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Tom was born of Scottish and German heritage in Milwaukee, WI on Jan. 3, 1937, son of Inglis and Helen (Seybold) Spowart. As a youth, his love of both music and athletics brought him much praise. He attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison and in Milwaukee, and the Milwaukee College of Cosmetology. While working in Madison, he met his sweetheart, Jan Gillingham, and they were married June 28, 1961. The young couple soon set off on a new adventure-the Yorkshire Beauty Salon, which Tom operated for 22 years. In 1986 Tom opened another business, Manhattan Hair Designs, which he operated for 20 years. The couple lived most of their married life in Monona, where they also raised their son, John. Tom was always active in the affairs of his community serving on several committees. He retired in 2006 after more than 40 years in business. Tom was always one you could count on for support, not only in encouragement but monetarily as well. Among many things, Tom was a great story teller. He was a salon owner and operator, song writer, poet, stock broker, joke teller, opinionated, funny and always kind. Tom was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints and served in numerous positions. Tom is survived by his wife, Jan; son, John (Susan) Spowart; grandsons, Jacob, Zachary and Joshua; sister, Sharon (Mark) Lesar; and brother-in-law, Dan Ratkowski. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Susan Ratkowski. A Memorial Service will be held at CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, 5602 Irongate Dr., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2013. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2013. In lieu of flowers, Tom wished for memorials to be given for an educational fund for his grandsons which will be established at Monona State Bank, 5515 Monona Dr., Madison, WI 53716. The family wishes to thank Agrace HospiceCare for their loving care of Tom. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420 In lieu of flowers, Tom wished for memorials to be given for an educational fund for his grandsons which will be established at Monona State Bank, 5515 Monona Dr., Madison, WI 53716. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, May 31, 2013. A Memorial Service will be held at CHURCH OF JESUS OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, 5602 Irongate Dr., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2013.