It is with great sadness that we announce that our beloved Tom passed away Tuesday January 7, 2025, at Aurora Hospital in Green Bay. Tom was born May 1, 1945 at Bellin Hospital to Edward and Florida Olsen. Tom grew up on a dairy farm in Seymour, Wisconsin. Upon graduating high school, he enlisted in the Army National Guard. After serving his country, Tom enrolled in cosmetology school and went on to own several salons in the Green Bay area and a summer salon in Door County. Tom is survived by a family that loved him and he loved them. Uncle Ron (Erma) Olsen, brother Ken (Judy) Olsen and Larry Olsen. Nieces and Nephews Kim (Craig) Melotte, Kelly (Greg) Cieslewicz, Jodi Olson, Ben (RaeAnn) Olsen, Jessika (Andy Williams) Olson, Gwen Biersteker, additional great nieces, nephews and family. Tom leaves behind his best friend Patti Bachhuber along with her family Paul and their children Allison Sidner, Eric (Liz) Bachhuber and three grandchildren Shea Catherine Sidner and Grady and Levi Bachhuber. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Terri Olsen, Linda Olsen-Olson, Christy Biersteker and two nephews Dann Schuettpelz and Tony Olsen. Tom was family to us and loved beyond measure. We enjoyed a thirty-five-year friendship that started with a haircut! Tom leaves behind our third co-adopted senior rescue dog. Little Josie will miss being loved and spoiled by him, who was affectionately known as Daddy Tom! Tom’s talents were endless. He enjoyed cooking and had a real love for baking. His homemade pies with his Gramma Nettie’s pie crust recipe were an incredible treat! Floral arranging and gardening were hobbies that brought Tom great joy and two awards for his design. In earlier years, Tom restored two historical homes in De Pere that gave him a great sense of accomplishment. Tom enjoyed the art of making Old World European St. Nicholas Santa’s. Vintage fabrics, jewelry and furs were used. Their faces and hands were made and designed by Tom. A high honor was bestowed on Tom when the Pabst Mansion in Milwaukee invited him to display a room full of his creations for a Christmas season in the music room. Years gone by were filled with travel to the Caribbean and vacations to Europe. He enjoyed the history channel and reading a good book. Tom loved animals, especially dogs, and he never met one he didn’t fall in love with. He never met a stranger. Tom enjoyed people and spending time with them. He was a generous man and a man of incredible kindness and integrity. He was loved by many and when we start tomorrow without him, it will never quite be the same again. His friendship and his memory are a treasure. Visitation will be Saturday January 18th 9:30-11:00, with a memorial service to follow at 11:00am at Cotter Funeral & Cremation 860 Webster Ave De Pere. A memorial fund has been established in Tom’s name. Donations will go to Wisconsin Humane Society 1830 Radisson St. Green Bay 54302 and Green Bay Animal Rescue PO Box 10334 Green Bay 54307. Internment will be in the Spring at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery and his final resting place will be with his parents that he loved and devoted himself to their care as they aged.
We thank Josh and Jared at Buds and Blooms for the flowers. Deepest appreciation to Aurora Hospital Emergency Room Staff, ICU nurses and Dr. Mathew Hobbins for their outstanding care and compassion given to Tom.
Saturday, January 18, 2025
9:30 - 11:00 am
Cotter Funeral & Cremation
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Starts at 11:00 am
Cotter Funeral & Cremation
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