SPRING GREEN - Thomas Earl "Tom" Nash, age 71, passed away on July 22, 2026, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg, Wis. He was born November 30, 1954, the son of Earl Jackson Nash and Annie Odell Ledbetter Nash.

Tom spent many years working as a machinist at ETC, but his ability to work with his hands extended well beyond his career. He could fix things, figure things out, and had a particular love for Saabs. There always seemed to be one needing his attention, whether he was diagnosing a problem, working under the hood, or helping keep one on the road. His wife, Cate, affectionately called him “the Saab Doctor,” a title that suited him well.

On August 27, 1989, Tom married Catherine “Cate” Wilcox, the love of his life. Together, Tom and Cate built a life that was anything but ordinary. Their home was filled with music, laughter, good food, dogs, friends, family, and plenty of personality. They shared a love of cars, especially Saabs, with Cate often behind the wheel and Tom making sure they kept running.

Music was woven throughout Tom’s life. From Jethro Tull to John Prine, Roger Waters and Free Hot Lunch, music brought him joy and connected him to people and memories throughout the years. Later in life, Tom took that love of music a step further and learned to play the mandolin. It became a familiar sound around his home, and neighbors could still hear him playing in the days leading up to his passing.

Tom and Cate had a way of welcoming people into their lives. Friends remember a home filled with music and laughter, home-cooked meals, parties, and a place where people felt welcome. Tom enjoyed good food, good music, cars, dogs, a good laugh, and sharing those things with the people around him. He had a big heart, a sense of humor, and a way of leaving people with stories to tell.

Tom loved deeply, and his relationship with Cate remained an important part of his life long after her passing in 2017. He spoke of her often and of how much he missed her. The love, humor, music, and life they shared together remained with him throughout the rest of his years.

Tom is survived by his children, Schuyler Wilcox-Nash, Kaya Wilcox and Jessica Edmisten; his sisters, Carolyn Hendrickson, Anne Lovejoy and Joyce Scott; as well as nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and the many people whose lives crossed paths with his. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Catherine “Cate” Wilcox-Nash; his parents, Earl Jackson Nash and Annie Odell Ledbetter Nash; and his twin brother, Terry Nash.

Tom will be remembered for his love of music, his humor, his ability to fix just about anything, the Saabs that inevitably found their way into his care, and the love he carried for Cate. And in the final chapter of his life, there was still music. Up until his passing, the sound of Tom playing his mandolin could be heard by his neighbors, a fitting final note for a man who kept music close throughout his life.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Thomas Nash

November 30, 1954 - July 22, 2026

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