Thomas R. Stephan Sr. passed into eternal life on September 5 at the age of 91. He was born June 1, 1935 in Madison, Wisconsin to R. Gilbert Stephan Sr. and Claudia Caroline (Sontag) Stephan.

He attended Dudgeon Public School and graduated from Madison West High School in 1953. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and graduated in 1961 with a BS degree in Agriculture Economics.

During his younger years, he delivered the Capital Times newspaper, worked at Goodrich Filling Station in Middleton, Wisconsin, the Idle Hour Bar, Clark’s Clothing, and at the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. He also worked for his father-in-law, Lyle Hill at Vita Plus.

He served in the United States Air Force for 4 years. He worked for Buick Motor Division for 31 years. He married Eileen (Hill) Stephan on December 29, 1956 and was married 57 ½ years before her passing.

He was a lifetime member of the Elks and is a member of the American Legion.

He is preceded in death by his parents, R. Gilbert Stephan Sr. and Claudia Caroline (Sontag) Stephan. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Eileen, his brother, R. Gilbert Stephan Jr. and his sister-in-law, Cyrilla Stephan.

Surviving him are his children, Thomas R. Stephan Jr. of Brooklyn Park, MN, Tim (Lauren) Stephan of Williamsburg, VA, and Lucinda (Tom) Pastula of St. Johns, MI. His grandchildren, Jennifer (Mike) Lott, Laura and David (Lexi) Pastula, Alyssa and Kristina Stephan and Lincoln Bolitho and great granddaughters, Anna and Alice Lott as well as numerous cousins, nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces. His kind and cheerful personality will be greatly missed by all.

A service of Christian Burial will be held on September 17 at Our Lady Queen Of Peace Church, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, at 11 a.m. . Visitation will be held on September 16 from 5 to 7 pm at Ryan Funeral Home, 6728 Mader Drive, Madison, WI 53719 and also at the Church on September 17 from 10 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carbone Cancer Center-University of Wisconsin.

To view this obituary and leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Service & Legacy Center
6728 Mader Dr
608-274-1000

Thomas Stephan

June 01, 1935 - September 05, 2026

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