John Matthew Thome, age 85, became a “permanent golfer” on April 18, 2026, in DeForest. He was born on June 7, 1940, the eldest of 5, to John and Pearl (Schmidt) Thome. John graduated from McDonell High School in 1958. He enlisted in the US Army in 1958 and was stationed in Guttenberg, Germany. His best memories when he was younger were being out on the Thome farm and teasing his siblings.

John married Barbara Paul on August 28th at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls. He graduated from U.W. Eau Claire and in 1969 started his 40+ year career with Gallagher Bassett, which moved he and Barbara to Michigan for 15 years. After returning to Madison, WI, he retired as Regional Branch Manager of the Midwest.

In his spare time, you could find him on the golf course and driving range. He also enjoyed visiting Drummond Island or beating you in Cribbage. He loved Leinenkugel’s and playing UNO with his grandkids. His most favorite thing in the world was hosting Thanksgiving and all the extended family coming together and enjoying the delicious food!!!

John is survived by his daughter, Katherine (Ron) Niebuhr; sons, Daniel (Missy) Thome and Joe Udellhofen; grandchildren, Kaiden “Ky”, Miles, Madden and Kasey; brothers, Dennis and Kenneth Thome and sister, Mary Harling.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; his parents and sister, Phyllis Hanson.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Ryan Funeral Home – Legacy Center, 6728 Mader Drive. A Celebration of Life will continue following the service until 4 p.m. at the Legacy Center.

Special thanks to Sienna Crest for taking such good care of him for the past 2 years, and the angels from Agrace Hospice for making an impossible situation bearable.

To view John’s obituary, or to leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

John Thome

June 07, 1940 - April 18, 2026

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