Thomas "Tom" La Fleur

Thomas Mark La Fleur, age 74, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.  Tom was born on November 15, 1951, in Racine, Wisconsin to Thomas and LaVerne (nee: Freres) La Fleur.

            Tom graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in Racine. He went on to earn an accounting degree from UW Parkside in 1977.  Thereafter, he attended Marquette Law School for one year before transferring to UW Madison Law School, where he earned top academic honors – Order of the Coif (1982).  Tom first worked at a law firm in Lodi, Wisconsin; and thereafter he worked at various law firms in and around the Madison area, including La Fleur Law Office.  Later in his career, Tom served as the Jefferson County Register in Probate, and Court Commissioner.  Tom also heard rent abatement cases for the City of Madison.  Tom loved running and competed in the Chicago Marathon in 1978.  After this, he decided that he much preferred shorter runs.  Tom loved all animals, but he had a special affinity for dogs and turtles.  Tom also loved the Brewers.  He enjoyed the Men’s Group meetings at Blackhawk Church.

            Tom is survived by his beloved son, Richard Muir LaFleur and Richard’s wife, Lily Hamilton La Fleur.  These three shared a passion for exploring nature.   Richard and Tom and their close friend Bob Hay had many adventures searching, in particular, for reptiles and amphibians.  Tom was close to his former spouse, Terry Hansen and his loving sisters, Mary Kay (Richard) Sherforgen, Maureen (Dennis) Steeves and Monica (Greg) Da Pra and his close friend, Terry’s brother, Eric Hansen.  Tom is also loved and survived by his brother-in-law, Rick (Diane) Johannes;  many nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.  Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Marcia Johannes, his brothers, Timothy La Fleur and Ted La Fleur and his nephews, Anthony and Andy Steeves.

            A service will be celebrated at Blackhawk Church, 9620 Brader Way, Middleton, WI on September 24, 2026; visitation at 10:00 a.m.; service at 11:00 a.m. followed by luncheon.  Tom will be buried at Natural Path Sanctuary thereafter.

A death ends a life, not a relationship…

            For more information or to leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Verona Chapel

220 Enterprise Drive

608-845-6625