Thomas R. Aaroen

Thomas R. Aaroen

July 25, 1950 - May 25, 2022

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Obituary

MCFARLAND - Thomas Ray Aaroen passed away at home in the presence of his loving wife, Gail, his son, Jake, and his devoted sister, Andrea, on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, after a brief battle with cancer. Tom liked to say that he was born in Madison, Wis., in the middle of the night, in the middle of the year, in the middle of the century, at 2:02 a.m., on July 25, 1950 - a child of the post-World War II Baby Boom. He was the third son in as many years, born to Barkley Eugene and Violet Lorraine (Lee) Aaroen.


Tom graduated from McFarland High School and attended two years of college at UW-Platteville, UW-Whitewater, and UW-Eau Claire. On June 23, 1972, Tom married the love of his life, Gail Foster. Together, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary a month early, on May 23, surrounded by family and friends. Tom was awake and aware throughout the celebration, enjoying the food, the company, and the chance to sit outdoors. The day was a beautiful gift to all of those involved.


Tom worked for many years as a mail carrier in Madison. He bowled and played golf and softball until 1992, when he fell victim to a back injury that left him disabled. Tom loved reading, watching sports, doing Sudoku, and working crossword puzzles. He had a passion for reading anything about the Civil War and Abraham Lincoln, about whom he had hoped to write a book. Deep in his heart, he was both a writer and a poet who had a lively sense of humor, even into his last days.


One of his first jobs was as a sports reporter at the McFarland Community Life newspaper and his journals reflect a well-written account of family history and lore. Throughout the years, he penned a number of poems that testified to his deep love for life, for his wife, Gail, and for his children and his extended family.


Tom is survived by his wife, Gail; his three sons, Josh, Jake and Joe Aaroen; three granddaughters, Bryonna, Kendra and Hannah Aaroen; his brother, Jim Aaroen; his sister, Andrea (Wayne) Boyles; as well as his nieces, Lisa Pyle, Kimberly Rohlfing, Michelle (Lane) Garrelts and Becky Hane; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Terry.


A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at LEWIS PARK, 5012 Highland Drive, McFarland, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, 2022, where Tom requested there be lots of laughter and music. A private burial will be held at the Upper McFarland Cemetery.


Memorials in Tom’s name may be made to UW Carbone Cancer Center or Second Harvest Food Bank. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com


Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420





Events

31
Funeral Service
Sun Jul 31, 2022 @ 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT
Lewis Park • 5012 Highland Drive, McFarland, WI null
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Karen Winkelman
Other •
Babysitting for Jim, Terry & Tom was my first full time job the summer of 1958. I had just graduated from 8th grade. They could be little devils but we had so much fun. We took bike rides & played baseball. We went fishing & had pillow fights. We always had Campbell's bean & bacon soup & tuna sandwiches or PB & J for lunch. It was a wonderful growing up experience for all of us. My heart is breaking for this sweet boy & his family. Deepest sympathy. Karen Carley Winkelman
MA
Mike Alesch
Other •
My three sons and toms three sons all grew up in Wabesa Heights. The played sports together. I remember the the only person harder on the referees and umpires than myself, was Tom.
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Rick Stanek
Other •
Sorry to see that Tom has passed away. We worked together at the post office. Think it was a Buick Century he bought from me. He was a great guy and happy to have known him. With Caring Thoughts and Sincere Sympathy, Rick Stanek
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Sue R. Simpson
Other •
Gail, Josh, Jake and Joe, Jim and Andrea and entire family and friends. My/our sincere sympathy to you all in your loss of Tom, your husband, dad, grandpa, brother, and all relatives and friends -- a huge loss wayyyyy too early in this life when we need everyone's talent and knowledge and experience in this challenging world. Tom had a smile and kindness that we need more of in this life. Speaking for our entire family, we went to school together and being shy little farm kids, people like Tom and brothers and buddies would make us feel like we were some of the best people in the world -- we worked hard and long days on the farm, covered in mud or whatever and dust doing our daily chores in the fields and around the animals. Tom's parents lived in the house my Grandpa and Grandma built, and were so kind and helpful to our grandparents and us when we needed help from Barkley and his profession on the farm, and Vi with her professional help as our Grandparents were aging. It is no wonder that all the kids were so kind and helpful and respectful. We were sorry when you all lost Terry to an unfortunate and painful accident again wayyyy before his time with so much to give the world with his grin and helping attitude. We didn't know Tom had to retire early from a back injury, but knowing him even a long time ago, he continued to contribute to his family and the world more than ever before. Gail and family and friends -- Tom was so lucky to have you all, and you to have Tom to live life in this demanding world. Our hearts and prayers go out to you all in your loss. May his spirit and memories and dreams continue to live on through all of you and the memories give you strength in the days and years ahead. God bless. Sue and entire families.
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Susan K. Olsen
Other •
I remember Tom as a regular visitor to the McFarland library. He always gave me a friendly smile. Tom was also my neighbor on North Cook Street when we lived at the “lake house,” where he spent a lot of time on his back porch. He’d chat with my son as Sam worked on the garden. Wish I’d gotten to know him better, but that was my fault, not his! Rest in peace, Tom.

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