Thomas Parslow

Thomas Parslow

November 05, 1942 - June 30, 2024

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Obituary

Madison – Thomas “Tom” Parslow, age 81, of Madison, formally of Mauston, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2024, in Madison. Tom was born on November 5, 1942, in River Falls, Wisconsin, to the late John and Marie (Haugh) Parslow.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Rose Ann (Dischler) Parslow, and their sons, Kirk and Caneal. He is also survived by his brother, James (Marlene) Parslow. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brother, John Parslow, and sister, Mary Parslow Smith.

Tom received his education at Oak Knoll Rural School and St. Bridget’s Grade School in River Falls. He later graduated from River Falls High School and earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Throughout his career, Tom dedicated 37 years to education, serving as a vocational agriculture educator at Wonewoc High School and Mauston High School. He also worked as the Juneau County Agriculture Agent and State Program Leader at UW-Extension.

Tom was an active member of Our Lady Queen of Peace, where he worshipped. He found great joy in his involvement with the church and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Madison. Tom’s faith was an integral part of his life.

In his free time, Tom enjoyed various hobbies. He was actively engaged in his church and volunteered his time with the Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens. Tom’s commitment to helping others through the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was admirable and inspiring.

A viewing will be held at 10:00am on Friday, July 12, 2024, at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S Owen Drive, Madison. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00am and will be presided by Fr. Brian Wilk. A luncheon will follow the service at the church, for those who wish to participate, while the immediate family members attend the burial at St. Luke’s Cemetery in in Plain Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens https://www.foodpantrygardens.org/donate.html and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (https://svdpmadison.org/donate) in Madison.

Tom Parslow will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His legacy of kindness, dedication, and service will continue to inspire others for generations to come. To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

5701 Odana Road

608-274-1000

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Carl OConnor
Other •
Our prayers are with his wonderful family. I had the privilege of working with Tom at UW Extension where his expertise, experience and mission of helping others was on display for all of us, and the citizens of Wisconsin. May he rest in peace!
BH
Barbara Hug
Other •
Tom was a great co-worker in Juneau County. He will be missed
BG
Becks Gatewood
Other •
Tom taught me how to drive a tractor. We laughed a lot together at Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens. He made me feel welcomed and appreciated. My life and so many others are better because Tom was a part of it. I'm really grateful for him and miss him very much.
MK
Mike Kepler
Other •
I am sorry that I will miss Tom's funeral. I have known Tom for 9 years: first in his capacity as the Garden Leader at the Lacy Garden and then in his role as the President of Madison Area Food Pantry Gardens, Inc. He dedicated his retirement years to the Lacy Garden, St. Vincent de Paul, and MAFPG. Could he and should he have reduced his charitable workload? Probably, but he could not do so. MAFPG expanded from a budget of $15,000 a year to over $200,000 a year during his twenty year leadership. During his tenure, MAFPG bought a fifteen acre parcel with two houses, a barn, and sheds where thousands of pounds of vegetables are now grown. The number of volunteers now working at the gardens has grown from maybe a hundred workers to upwards of two thousand individuals. His firm leadership will be missed. He was patient with the volunteers who became capable growers even without previous garden experience. He organized solid teams who tilled, planted, weeded, and harvested produce during the spring, summer, and fall. We cannot forget winter when Tom would plan for the summer season. He recruited able people to act as leaders who will continue Lacy Garden and MAFPG. I salute Rose Ann who nursed him through his illnesses. She was attentive, dedicated and patient through a difficult time for the family. My heart goes out to her, Kirk, and Caneal. Mike Kepler
KW
Kathy wehrle
Other •
Tom was a kind and gracious man. Volunteering at the Lacy gardens was a matter of showing up and having him guide us through what needed to be done. No experience was needed, and still isn't. Tom, along with other key founders of MAFPG, had a vision of providing vegetables to food pantries through the work of volunteers. Their knowledge of planting and planning has benefited many many people with a bountiful crop of fresh food, contributing to their health and well being And behind every good man is a strong woman.... That's you, Rose Ann. Blessings on you both.
KM
kathleen meehan
Other •
Mike and I worked with Tom at the Lacy Garden for 10 years. We grew to admire his knowledge, dedication, and sense of humor. Planting season may have been the most fun. Tom drove a small tractor that towed a two seated machine that drilled a hole and watered the new plant. Gardeners worked quickly to fill the hole with a plant before the water came. Tom was always looking for ways to make money for the garden. For a couple years he really wanted a corn maze. He was always asking if we knew anyone with a corn field. For a couple years we harvested apples after the orchard was closed to the public. Tom loved the garden and loved thinking of ways to make it better. He never begrudged us taking vacation but all he wanted for himself was two or three Brewers Games. I send condolences to Roseann, Kirk, and Caneal. Tom will be missed by many. Kathy Meehan

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