Thomas J. Swant

MADISON - Thomas Jarrold Swant, a devoted father, cherished friend, and dedicated public servant, passed away peacefully at his home in Madison on Friday, July 4, 2025, with his children by his side. He was 74.

He was born October 7, 1950, in Rice Lake, Wis., the son of Martin and Clarice (Selvig) Swant. He had an idyllic childhood in the small town of Barron, Wis., and spent Sundays at his grandparents’ farm in nearby Prairie Farm. His father managed a family-owned car dealership called Swant Bros Motor Company.

Tom attended Barron High School (class of 1968), where he played baritone in the band, acted in school plays, sang in the choir, and was a member of a barbershop quartet called The Bearijuanas. A natural athlete, he lettered in football and track, captaining the football team and setting a high jump record. He also played on the basketball team that advanced to the state tournament. Beyond school, Tom was a Boy Scout and worked at the Barron Creamery and his father's car dealership.

Tom earned a Social Work degree from UW-Eau Claire at 21. During his senior year, he began dating Cindy Paulson, also from Barron; they married a year later. They moved to Richland Center, where Tom worked as a juvenile probation officer before transitioning to elder care. There, he met Rich Kreklow, who persuaded him to move to Madison and become a nursing home inspector. They worked together for a decade and remained lifelong friends.

Shortly after moving to Madison, Tom and Cindy had their first child, Andrew, in 1976. They bought a small house which Tom did many renovations to. Their second child, Sarah, arrived in 1979. Soon after, Tom went back to school earning a master’s degree in Social Work. In 1984, Tom and Cindy divorced but shared joint custody of the kids.

Throughout his adult life, Tom remained active in sports, particularly tennis and basketball, where he met Jim Hanson, who became a lifelong friend and confidant. Tom also explored his creative side, dabbling in photography, watercolor painting, and playing the saxophone.

In 1987, Tom began a relationship with Heidi Verbeten, who was pregnant at the time. Her daughter, Ellea Verbeten, was born that July, and Ellea and Heidi moved in with Tom and his children the following spring. Tom and Heidi married in 1988 and the family relocated to Fitchburg in 1989.

In 1990, Tom started a new job at the Developmental Disabilities Bureau as a Community Integration Specialist, where he wrote the federal PASRR developmental disabilities screening tool, which is still in use today. Tom and Heidi divorced in 1997, but he maintained a close relationship with his daughter, Ellea, throughout his life.

Tom retired in 2007 after 32 years of service to the state, having worked with all 72 counties in Wisconsin. In his retirement, he dedicated several years to caring for his mother in Barron and volunteered his time with the Fitchburg Senior Center's Meals on Wheels program, also serving on their board.

A proud Madison resident for 50 years, Tom was a passionate fan of the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers. He had a great love for television and movies, especially mysteries, and was an avid reader. In his later years, his hobbies included drinking coffee, solving crossword puzzles, genealogy, reading obituaries, and utilizing the website Find-A-Grave.

Despite significant health challenges in his final six years, Tom maintained an unyielding positive outlook. His children were the lights of his life. Known for his sense of humor, kindness, and humility, he will be deeply missed.

Tom is survived by his children, Andrew (Sarah) Swant of Milwaukee, Sarah (Kyle) Swant of Appleton and Ellea (Jason) Verbeten of Fitchburg; grandchildren, Keegan and Adalae; brother, DeWayne (Vivian) of Lino Lakes, Minn.; nephew, Marty; and niece, Amanda. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his beloved pets, Riley, Rosie and Tiger.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m., after which visitation will continue until 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Tom requested that you please donate to Movin’ Out Inc., an organization that finds housing solutions for people with disabilities. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002