MADISON - Thomas Alfred "Tom" Waeffler, age 75, of Madison, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 25, 2022, surrounded by his family at Agrace HospiceCare after a brave battle with cancer.

Tom was born on Nov. 5, 1946, in Monroe, to Willard and A. Josephine (Voegeli) Waeffler. He was raised in Evansville and graduated from Evansville High School in 1965. He attended UW-Oshkosh, graduating in 1970 with degrees in anthropology and geography with an emphasis in history. Tom also served as president of his fraternity, Alpha Kappa Lambda.

On July 15, 1989, Tom married his best friend and love of his life, Jean Bliefernicht. They welcomed their son, Ryan, on July 7, 1991. Tom was the epitome of a family man and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his wife and son, whether they were traveling, attending sporting events or simply sitting around the dinner table. Most recently, Tom enjoyed taking weekend trips with his family to Rome, Wis., where he planned to move to someday. He was very proud of his son and his accomplishments in school, sports, and his career as a CPA. He had an infectious smile, memorable laugh, and could have an engaging conversation with just about anyone.

Tom started working at Swiss Family Smokehouse in Evansville at a young age, which was owned and operated by his father, Willard, who taught him everything there is to know about the meat industry and many valuable life lessons. After college, Tom had a variety of career experiences ranging from real estate to trucking management and even cab driving.

Tom is survived by his wife, Jean; son, Ryan (fiancée, Annie George) of Minneapolis; sister, Rosemary (Myron) LaRowe of Reedsburg; brother, W. James Waeffler (Pat Maddox) of Madison; sisters-in-law, Sue (Jim) Turmail of St. Louis and Mary (Ralph) Farber of Minong; brothers-in-law, Jim (Sue) Bliefernicht of Waupun and John (Joan) Bliefernicht of Franklin; along with numerous nieces, nephews, life-long friends, and his special cousin, Ginny (Frank) Heller.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Willard and Josephine; sister-in-law, Alexandra Waeffler; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Henry and Lucille Bliefernicht.

A celebration of life will be held at Gunderson Oregon Funeral and Cremation Care, 1150 Park St., Oregon, on Thursday, March 31, 2022, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Burial of Tom’s cremated remains will take place at a later date at Maple Hill Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

No regrets in life, just lessons learned.

If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart, I'll stay there forever

Gunderson Oregon

Funeral & Cremation Care

1150 Park St.

(608) 835-3515

Thomas Alfred Waeffler

November 05, 1946 - March 25, 2022

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