Thomas M. King

Thomas M. King passed away peacefully Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the age of 90 years. He was surrounded by his loving family, including his beloved wife, Joan. Born November 17, 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Dr. Joseph and Irene King. He grew up in Wauwatosa and attended St. Bernard’s Grade School, Marquette High School, and Marquette University. He was a devout Catholic and his faith was the foundation of his life.

Tom proudly served his country in the Navy as a Quartermaster/Helmsman on the seaplane tender, USS Salisbury Sound. Tom loved being on the water. In his earlier years, he worked at Milwaukee Yacht Club and later, when he and Joan moved out to Hartland, he spent time on North Lake sailing and judging races. He and Joan were members of the North Lake Yacht Club for over 30 years.

True to his Irish heritage, he was born with the gift of gab. He loved to talk and tell stories which led him to a career in sales. He retained his sense of humor his entire life. Tom also enjoyed time vacationing with Joan, his children, and grandchildren which included traveling to family lake cabins, fishing trips in Canada, and visits to France and Ireland.

Thomas is predeceased by his sisters Mary O’Meara and Jane Guhl, brothers Jim, Patrick, and John King, as well as his daughter-in-law Sue King, and grandsons Alex Tessmer and Daniel King Pizzutti.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Joan (nee Ulmen) King, and blessed by the love of his seven children: Martin King, Margaret (Steve) Payleitner, Katie (Allen) Pierce, Liz (Tim) Rollman, Jean (David) Hicks, Tom (Kathy) King, and Greg (Brenda) King.

The sparkles in his eyes were his grandchildren: Chad (Sarah) Tessmer, Jonathan (Amy) King, Hannah King, Peter Payleitner, Chris (Erin) Payleitner, Allison Payleitner, Bob (Cassie) Pierce, Gordie (Kelsey) Rollman, Joe, Ian, and Megan Rollman, Benjamin and William Hicks, and Collin and Iris King. In addition, Tom was blessed with six great-grandchildren: Bennett, Oscar, William, Judah, Lilah, and Madison. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

The family would like to thank the staff at Heritage Lake Country and Brighton Hospice for their special care and kindness.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, February 28, 2025 at 11:30 am at St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, W314 N7462 WI-83, North Lake, WI. A visitation will be held prior to the mass beginning at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Alzheimer’s Association (Wisconsin Chapter) and Autism Society of Greater Wisconsin.