LODI - Thomas Dean Atwood, 67, of Lodi, WI, passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord on September 17, 2025, after a brief, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born May 28, 1958, in Elgin, IL, Tom grew up in Grant Park, IL. He graduated high school in 1976 and proudly served four years in the U.S. Air Force as a Russian linguist. While stationed at the Defense Language Institute, he met the love of his life Suzanne, and they married in 1978.

After his military service, Tom earned degrees in electrical engineering: a bachelor’s from Southern Illinois University, a master’s from New Mexico State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico (UNM). He spent nearly 30 years with Sandia National Laboratories, becoming one of its Chief Scientists. He conducted and directed research on the Particle Beam Fusion Accelerator, nuclear detection, remote sensing, and radar and communications technologies - all vital for national security. After retiring from Sandia National Laboratories, Tom officially became a “rocket scientist” as the Technical Director for the Operationally Responsive Space Office, where he oversaw multiple satellite and rocket launches for the Air Force. Tom was also an associate research professor at UNM and enjoyed teaching and mentoring graduate students in electrical engineering.

Tom treasured time spent with his loved ones. He coached several youth sports teams for his daughters in his younger years and loved fishing, hunting, and cooking for both family and Church. At Lake Wisconsin Evangelical Free Church, he found renewed purpose leading discussions on apologetics and prophecy, serving as a trustee, supporting the Men’s Ministry, and joyfully sharing his Christian faith. Throughout his life, he was a stalwart supporter of the Chicago White Sox and Bears, never wavering in his loyalty even while living in Packerland. In his free time, he enjoyed watching Marvel superhero movies, doing crossword puzzles and playing sudoku.

Tom is survived by his wife of 47 years, Suzanne Atwood; daughters, Jessica and Grace (Dorothe Santistevan) Atwood; brother, Scott (Elisa Ponsell) Atwood; sister-in-law, Michelle Atwood; and many uncles, aunts, in-laws, cousins, nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emilie and Jackie Atwood, his sister Jacqueline, and brother Edward.

A Celebration of Life starting at 9:00 am will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at LAKE WISCONSIN EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH on N1640 Ryan Road in Lodi, WI, followed by a service and luncheon. Burial will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Lodi, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the National Rifle Association or to the Lake Wisconsin Evangelical Free Church’s benevolence fund.

For more information and online condolences please visit www.gundersonfh.com

Gunderson Lodi

Funeral & Cremation Care

157 S. Main St.

(608) 592-3201

Thomas Dean Atwood

May 28, 1958 - September 17, 2025

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