Thomas John Conway
February 17, 1947 - December 03, 2017
Obituary
MADISON-Thomas John Conway, age 70, of Madison, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, at Agrace HospiceCare. He was born on Feb. 17, 1947, in Madison, the son of John and Charlotte (Groneng) Conway. He graduated from Madison East High School. He earned his undergraduate degree from UW Madison and Master's degrees in both accounting and business from UW Whitewater. Tom served in the U.S. Marines, and retired after 30 years as a colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. Tom was united in marriage to Ann (nee Rueckl) Conway in 1979. They were each other’s unfinished selves and best dance partners. She assumed many new roles in the last few years due to Tom’s diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer's. Tom spent his working career with the State of Wisconsin, leaving behind many treasured colleagues. Full of eclectic talents, Tom was an accomplished ballroom dancer, master gardener, 2nd degree black belt in karate, runner, and walking buddy. Tom gave sage advice, told long and entertaining stories, and had an encyclopedic knowledge of history, finance, trivia, and Latin. He inherited a love of trains from his father and grandfather, and one of his first jobs was with the Milwaukee Road. Tom is survived by his wife, Ann; two daughters, Colleen (Timothy) Gumm and Camille (Marshall Ogren) Conway; grandchildren, Oscar, Damien and Agnes Gumm, and Ivy and Iris Ogren. Thank you to Cairasu Home Care for the loving care they gave to our family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 413 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2017, with Father Randy Timmerman presiding. Entombment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Friday, Dec. 8, 2017, and at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday. If you are able, please help support Toys for Tots by bringing a toy to the visitation on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Toys for Tots or the charity of your choice. Tom meticulously provided for his family and will continue to be their North Star.
Events
Visitation
Fri Dec 8, 2017 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Visitation
Sat Dec 9, 2017 @ 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM CDT
St. Dennis Catholic Church (Madison) • 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison, WI null
Mass of Christian Burial
Sat Dec 9, 2017 @ 10:30 AM CDT
St. Dennis Catholic Church (Madison) • 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison, WI null
Photos
No photos of Thomas have been shared yet.
Memories
MW
Mike Welling
Other •
Ann, Colleen and Camille: Sorry to hear about Tom. I enjoyed the years I spent working with him at the State and times I got to talk to him. Sorry we can not make the service. Mike, Kathy, Patrick and Becky.
CG
Charlene Galston
Other •
Dear Ann and family, I am so sorry to hear about Tom's death. I did not know Tom but did have the great opportunity to see the two of you dancing one time. It was like watching Fred and Ginger. So beautiful. My love to you. Charlene Galston
GP
Gloria Pofahl-Pangman
Other •
Ann,Colleen and Camille,
So sorry for your loss. I hope as time goes by you can find comfort in all the wonderful memories you have as a family.
AM
Amy Madson
Other •
I will always remember playing trivial pursuit with Tom. Unfortunately, I was never lucky enough to be on his team. He was such a brilliant man with a great sense of humor. He is missed.
HP
Heather Pauls
Other •
Alzheimer's steals our loved ones far too soon. May you find peace in the memories you shared with your husband, Ann. He sounds like he was a remarkable man.
PN
Phillip Nielsen
Other •
Ann and family, my condolences to you on the passing of your husband and father. I had the opportunity to meet Tom at a WAPC function and enjoyed our conversations. I wish for you, peace and comfort as you honor Tom's memories and contributions to society and the family. Phillip