Thomas "Tom" Harpt
January 31, 1949 - May 22, 2025
Obituary
Thomas "Tom" Harpt, age 76, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025. He was born on January 31, 1949, to Ralph and Jolene (Banker) Harpt in Milwaukee, WI. Tom graduated from UW Milwaukee with a degree in environmental engineering and moved to Madison with his wife Debora (Beitz) Harpt.
Tom worked for the DNR and was passionate about the environment. He was an outdoorsman who loved fishing, camping, traveling, hiking, friends and of course, family. Tom's world revolved around his loved ones, always putting their well-being and happiness first. He especially enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter, a bond like no other. Tom viewed everyone with an open mind and his thoughtful and inquisitive nature made him loved by many people he met.
Tom is survived by his wife, Debora (Beitz) Harpt; children, Nicole Harpt, Danielle Harpt, Stephanie (Adam) Wolter; grandchild, Harlie Fordham-Harpt; siblings, Sandy (Doug) Mann and Mary Banker-Harpt.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Jolene (Banker) Harpt.
The family would like to thank UW Carbone Center and B6/6 staff for their amazing help and support.
A Celebration of Tom's Life will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Ryan Funeral Home Legacy Center, 6728 Mader Drive, Madison, WI. Visitation will be from 12:00 P.M. until the time of service. A luncheon will follow at the Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: PBS https://give.pbswisconsin.org/page/27653/donate/1 or UW Carbone Cancer Center https://give.wiscmedicine.org/give/392780/#!/donation/checkout
To view, sign this guestbook and to share a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Legacy Center
6728 Mader Drive
608-274-1000
Events
Visitation
Fri Jun 13, 2025 @ 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
Ryan Funeral Home - Madison West • 6728 Mader Dr, Madison, WI 53719
Celebration of Life Service
Fri Jun 13, 2025 @ 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM CDT
Ryan Funeral Home - Madison West • 6728 Mader Dr, Madison, WI 53719
Luncheon
Fri Jun 13, 2025 @ 3:45 PM CDT
Photos
Memories
TB
Tish Ballhorn
Friend •
Tom was always a cheerful partner in the many projects he helped us on around the house. He would share stories about his daughters and his little granddaughter with us. He was a good guy and will be missed. Tish and Bill
KS
Kelly Slamar
Friend •
Tom’s daughter, Danielle, and I were best friends in high school—and we still are. We shared a deep love of music, and Tom was always right there with us, taking us to concerts and being a part of our world. One of my favorite memories of him is from a Bush concert—Danielle and I were in the crowd, and we looked up to see Tom rocking out on the balcony. I remember thinking, “What a cool dad.” Tom didn’t just include me in those moments; he welcomed me into his family. I was lucky enough to be invited on their camping trips—those pop-up trailer adventures were a huge deal in the '90s and made for some of my most cherished memories. The Harpts—and especially Tom—are woven into the fabric of my teenage years. Thank you, Tom, for always making me feel included and for helping shape so many of my core memories. Rest easy.
KS
Kelly Slamar
Friend •
Tom’s daughter, Danielle, and I were best friends in high school (and we still are) we were into music and Tom would take us to concerts. My favorite memory of him is when he took us to the Bush concert and we saw him rocking out from the balcony. What a cool dad, I thought. Tom also included me in family camping trips and they had a pop up trailer which was a huge deal in the 90s. Rest easy Tom. Thank you for always including me. The Harpt’s and Tom were part of my core memories as a teenager. -Kelly Slamar
JL
Judy L’Hirondelle
Friend •
Our time on Earth will have had a short visit, but just think, we’re going to have a longer time together in Heaven. I’m getting the camping gear slowly but surely fixed so we can take the motor home camping. This is Judy, Margalo’s wife. I’m missing you so much that I’m writing this my tears are overflowing onto my face. But I know you’re in the right place for you now. I have appreciated knowing you all these years. Love, Judy
KC
Kelly Carter
Friend •
Tom was the coolest dad. I was good friends with Dani in middle school and Tom was so fun. He drove us around in the back of the station wagon a pile of giggling girls rolling around in the back. He was also the ultimate girl dad, knowing what shampoo and hairspray to get, and never shying away from girl topics of conversation. Tom was loved by all!
ES
Eileen and Herb Statz
Friend •
We met as coworkers at the DNR but our family became lifelong friends. He was an excellent painter and many in our family hired him to paint at their own homes. Breakfast, lunch, treats and friendship were most important while he finished the projects with meticulous care. Tom truly enjoyed seeing Herb's new projects in the shop. Cancer never took away his smile and funny email responses. His sense of humor was priceless! He will truly be missed.