Thomas Dudley
September 14, 2026
Obituary
Thomas Donald Dudley, age 67, of Vonore, Tennessee, formerly of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away at 10:05 AM on Monday, September 14, 2026, after a brief illness.
Thomas dedicated 29 years of his life to law enforcement, a career that reflected his strength, dedication, and commitment to helping others. Outside of work, he had many passions and talents. He was a master woodworker and welder, a hunter and fisherman, and someone who loved nothing more than riding his motorcycle and traveling alongside his beloved wife, Pamela.
Thomas was also an avid Yahtzee player - and if you knew him, you knew he always won! Those little moments of laughter, competition, and time spent together are memories his family will treasure forever.
But above everything else, Thomas was a family man. He loved his family deeply and cherished every moment he had with them. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and a cherished brother. His presence, his laughter, his stories, and the love he gave so freely will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Isabell Dudley; sister, Ellen Dudley; and brother-in-law, Jim Neis.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 43 years, Pamela Jo Dudley; son, Donald (JesseMarie) Dudley; daughter, Kayla (Travis) Statz; and his precious grandson who he was so proud of, Brayden Statz. He is also survived by his sisters, Lynn Neis, Jean (Jeff) Hallmark, and Jane (Mike) Walker, and brother-in-law, Terry Straavaldsen, along with many other family members and friends who loved him dearly.
Thomas leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a love that will never fade. He may no longer be here beside us, but he will forever remain in the hearts of the people who were lucky enough to call him husband, Dad, Grandpa, brother, and friend.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Rd, DeForest, WI from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
He was deeply loved, he will be forever missed, and his memory will live on through the family he cherished so much.
Ryan Funeral Home
Windsor/Deforest Chapel
6924 Lake Road
608-846-4250