Thomas E Vick

McFarland - Thomas E. “Frank” Vick, age 82, of McFarland, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 1, 2021, at his home in McFarland. He was born on July 30, 1939, in Madison, Wis., to Hiram and Theo (Denson) Vick. Tom grew up in Monona, Wis., and graduated from Monona Grove High School in 1957. He joined the U.S. Navy and served on the U.S.S. Black and U.S.S. Columbus, traveling to the far east. He earned the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. After returning from the Navy in 1960, he worked for Graber Manufacturing. Tom and Nancy knew each other in high school and started dating when he returned from the Navy. They were married in April of 1961. They have four children. Tom enjoyed many activities with his family. As a family they enjoyed skiing, snowmobiling, trips in their motor home and camping with friends. He had an infectious laugh that made everyone want to be near him. He was a fun-loving guy that enjoyed life, family and friends. He was a wonderful and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Tom was a steamfitter by trade, taking an apprenticeship shortly after he married. He worked in the trades for 41 years. He served on the Executive Board for Steamfitters Local No. 394. Tom had his own business for several years, Tom Vick Heating, Inc. In 1978, he went to work for the State of Wisconsin and University as a steamfitter until his retirement in 2001. Tom’s hobby and interest was taking blacksmithing classes. Eventually having his own black smith shop where he created beautiful and useful items, sharing them with family and friends. He enjoyed people and was part of The Friendship Force hosting people from Norway, Australia and Germany. Also, working through MLC with Interfaith Hospitality Network for 11 years (now called The Road Home). Tom was a voracious reader of westerns. Louie Lamour was his favorite. He did the daily crossword puzzle and cryptoquote until the first stages of dementia. He continued to have a wonderful smile and remained as active as possible enjoying walks, rides and attending “tea times” with friends. For 25 years, Tom and Nancy, enjoyed “The Porch” on Fish Lake near Roxbury, Wis. They made some wonderful friendships and throughout the years, family enjoyed swimming, fishing and relaxing around the campfire. Tom and Nancy purchased a home in Texas where they spent their winters from 2008-2020. They enjoyed traveling throughout their marriage and visited 22 countries and 29 states. Their last trip being a Viking River Cruise to Russia. Tom was a member of McFarland Lutheran Church since 1965. Several of his blacksmith pieces are there, one an outside sculpture of Christ on the cross. Tom was a winter Texan member of The First United Methodist Church in San Benito, Texas. Tom is survived by his wife, Nancy; four children, Kris S. (Doug Stone) Vick, Jeff T. (Cathee) Vick, Eric D. (Jennifer Powell) Vick and Rebecca L. (Steve) Vick-Severance; grandchildren, Kendra and Sara Stone, Daniel and David Lynch, Donald Ellis, Sam T. Vick, Lindsey (KJ) Harnack, Justin T. (Kayla) Kamp, and Jake, Rachael, Elizabeth and Danny Severance; great-grandchildren, Carson, Tucker, Riley, Donovan Marshal, Lily, Austin, Kaleb, Starya and Kai; brother, Robert Vick; sister, Clara Gandolph; brothers-in-law, John Wrend, William Sheldon and Bill Ray; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard Vick; sisters, Donna Wrend and Betty Webb; mother and father-in-law, Olga and Wynne Sheldon; brother-in-law, Carl Webb; sisters-in-law, Karen Vick and Susan Ray; nephews, Tom Ray and Mathew Adams; and niece, Julie Sheldon. A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 noon on Saturday, July 30, 2022, Tom's 83 birthday. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to McFarland Lutheran Church, the Alzheimer & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin or the charity of the donor’s choice. A special thanks to family and numerous friends and neighbors in Wisconsin and Texas that were so helpful in making these last four years during Tom’s illness as active and comfortable as possible, to Dr. Al Musa for his years of medical care and compassion, and to Senior Helpers, Karen and Delany, Hospice Helpers, Linda and Blanca, and Kae Hubred for their care and compassion. Also thank you to nephew, Ron Webb, for his daily calls after work to see if Nancy needed any help getting Tom back to bed. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420