Thomas Newman
April 29, 1940 - February 03, 2025
Obituary
Thomas “Tom” D. Newman, age 84, passed away on peacefully at home on Monday, February 3, 2025, with his devoted wife Jane by his side after an extended battle with cancer. He was born on April 29, 1940, in Park Falls, Wisconsin, the son of Albert and Esther (Erickson) Newman. He was married to Jane Russell on November 30, 1964, at Sacred Hearts Church in Sun Prairie, WI.
Tom graduated from Fifield High School in 1958 and worked a variety of jobs to pay for his way through UW Stevens Point in 1965 and to complete a master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation from UW Madison, class of 1969.
Upon graduation, Tom started a long and productive career with the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation as a counselor in the Madison office. He always considered himself lucky to be able to assist people with impediments to employment in their efforts to gain independence. Tom served as president of the Wisconsin Rehabilitation Association twice and was often asked to serve on special projects. As a counselor, he also enjoyed working with numerous graduate students in the UW Master’s degree program by supervising their internship experiences.
Tom was (in his words) a mediocre but avid athlete who enjoyed Madison’s city league sports. He played on basketball, volleyball, softball, and tennis teams for many years with a great group of friends. He was a long-time ticket holder for Badger Basketball and spent many summer days golfing with his buddies. For many years after retirement, he continued learning through UW Plato classes on environmental issues.
In addition to his wife, Jane, Tom is survived by his brother, Lee (Nancy) Newman; children, Mark (Brenda Morris) Newman and Jennifer Bielke; grandchildren, Marissa, Natasha, and Logan Beilke; sister-in-law, Delores Newman; brother-in-law, Robert (Ruth) Russell; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Laura Jean Newman and Shirley (Bill) Canovan; and brothers, Donald, David, Earl (Carol), Ray, James, and Bernard Newman.
A Celebration of Tom’s Life will held at 12:30 P.M. on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave, Madison, WI. A visitation will be held from 11:00A.M. until the time of service. A light lunch will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Second Harvest Food Bank of Southern Wisconsin, 2802 Dairy Drive, Madison, WI 53718.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.
Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
2418 N Sherman Ave
608-249-8257
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Memories
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Nathan Weber
Other • 3 months ago
My deepest sympathies to the Newman family in the loss of your loved one Tom. I had the pleasure of meeting Tom at the Russell Reunion some years ago with his wife Jane. One behalf of the Russell family, we all wish the family our sympathies and hope you find peace in knowing Tom is a better place. Rest In Peace dear cousin. Nate Weber
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Margo Hirsch
Other • 3 months ago
I will never forget how Tom helped me shop for a new car. We had to have coffee and a donut before we shopped, he said it would help us. He was such a gentle person with a sweet disposition and I am grateful to have known him in my life time.
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Lee and Nancy Newman
Other • 2 months ago
We, Lee (brother) and Nancy (sister~in~law) will miss our phone calls with brother, Tom, recounting the old fishing stories (and in those days the fishing was really great!), stories of growing up on the farm, hearing about Tom's pride in his children, and about his many appearances at the Badger's basketball games. Two of are favorite memories are 1) Tom and Jane's appearance at our daughter Amy's ( niece) wedding in Bayfield and 2) Bumping into Tom and Jane at the Farmers Market in Madison with our daughter, Laura ( niece), and subsequent fabulous dinner made by Jane at their home for our enjoyment. Lots of laughter ensued at both occasions. We will miss Tom terribly. Blessings to Jane, Jennifer, and Mark. We will send a memorial to Second Harvest and Food Bank in care of Jane, in memory of that happy Farmers Market Day in Madison. Love , Lee and Nancy
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Enid Glenn
Other • 2 months ago
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Tom Newman. He was a great guy, a great story teller, knew everything about cars, loved his family, and the profession of rehab counselor. I cherish the time I worked with Tom at the Madison West Office, always knowing we could count on him and be successful in our endeavors on the job. I will miss him dearly. E. Glenn