I was saddened to learn of Tom's passing just today. I had spoken to him in the fall of last year and had not since, which I found strange but figured he was busy. I am so sorry I did not reply earlier. He was a good friend to my family and especially my father, Charles, who passed in 2002. Godspeed Tom and thank you for getting me in to car racing!
Jeffrey Spahn
May 18, 2019
Dear Phelan family,
I am so sorry for you loss. God bless your family through this difficult time.
Carla Parr
November 11, 2018
Dear Phelan family, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you move forward through these dark days. Such sadness as the unimaginable news reached me today. Wishing you each peace, strength and comfort. May the happiest of memories lift you up as you remember Tom's love for you and life...and his laughter.....always.
I treasured my days at Phelan's Interiors and enjoyed all of you. Hugs and love, Joy
Joy Halvorsen Slay
November 2, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I did not know Tom personally but I do know Kathy. I will keep all in my prayers.
Mary Kidd
October 26, 2018
God Bless you all...Tom and I go way back. I always loved running into him at Guttenberg.v
Scott ovel
October 25, 2018
Dear Phelan family; I am just now hearing of Tom's passing, here in Maryland. I appreciate Mike Hanrahan capturing the essence of Tom. I knew him as a swim team kid, and hanging out in Bever Park, to talking about paint as an adult. Tom ALWAYS greeted my with excitement when we were kids, and consistently remembered me through the years. What a gift he was, and the Phelan family. Thanks Mike, and Steve Scheib for your words.
Greg Awbrey
October 24, 2018
Dearest Meg, Matt, McClain, Melanie and all the lovely Phelan clan - SO very sorry for your loss. Your dad (as I got to know him) was truly such an incredible human to all of us kids as we were making our way in high school on up. He brought so much joy to everyone he encountered which is something he is surely proud to see is a family trait passed along. He is going to be hugely missed. I hope a semblance of peace is gently finding its way into these long days by enjoying memories of a man who did it right on earth. Huge hugs, sympathy and love- Katie Currell
Katie Currell
October 24, 2018
To the Phelan family...I just read the sad news of Tom's passing. We attended school together and Steve and family remember your time living across from our family home. Tom was such a fun classmate. Hugs to all. Remember the laughter and fun times you all enjoyed together as family. Tom will surely be missed. He now is in heaven with his heavenly family.
Debbie, Don, Terry, Lisa, Ron and Becky Tow and our families thinking of all of you.
Debbie Tow Colozza and Tow family
October 21, 2018
My deepest Sympathy's to Tom's Family and work family at Phelan's interiors. I worked with Tom at Phelan's as a designer and more recently as a rep. It was always a joy to see him in the office and catch up. He will be missed. A donation has been made to Bridgehaven in Tom's name.
Michelle (Bunn) Acamovich
October 21, 2018
Dear Phelan Family,
Jeff and I were so shocked to hear the terrible news of your dear brother’s passing. I am sure Betty and Peter were there immediately to welcome him home. Our thoughts and prayers are with this whole family. The Phelan family has meant so much to Jeff and myself. They are such a wonderful example to us of faith and love. He will be missed by all that knew him. So very sorry he was taken so soon. Much love always. Nancy and Jeff Roland
Nancy Roland
October 21, 2018
Dear Phelan Family,
I am certain this past week and this day has been so difficult and in many ways has felt as though it would never end. I am sending my sincere sympathy and heartfelt condolences to all of you. Like others , I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Tom's sudden passing and can't imagine how you all have begun to wrap your minds around it.
I always believe that people that seemingly pass before their time are the true "Angels in Heaven" and their work here on earth is finished and they get to go on.
Tom's zest and joy for life makes me believe that was true for him. He lived a life he loved and his family, his interests and his hobbies were all treated with a zest and joy a few others ever understand.
I am sending you energy, joy in the celebration of his life and peace for understanding. Love, Sylvia D. Kunnemann
Sylvia D. Kunnemann
October 20, 2018
Dear Phelan Family,
I am certain this past week and this day has been so difficult and in many ways has felt as though it would never end. I am sending my sincere sympathy and heartfelt condolences to all of you. Like others , I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of Tom's sudden passing and can't imagine how you all have begun to wrap your minds around it.
I always believe that people that seemingly pass before their time are the true "Angels in Heaven" and their work here on earth is finished and they get to go on.
Tom's zest and joy for life makes me believe that was true for him. He lived a life he loved and his family, his interests and his hobbies were all treated with a zest and joy a few others ever understand.
I am sending you energy, joy in the celebration of his life and peace for understanding. Love, Sylvia D. Kunnemann
Sylvia D. Kunnemann
October 20, 2018
Kathy, Patti and I pray for your family as you go through this grieving period. May you feel God's presence.
Billboard Bob Klaus
October 20, 2018
It was a shot to the gut that I learned of Tom’s passing.
We first met during a summer as youngsters on bicycles in Bever Park and we had an instant chemistry. Our friendship grew from there as we made our way from being young teenagers to married adults and business owners.
To Kathy, the children, grandchildren, and all the Phelan clan please accept Rita’s and my sincere condolences in your time of loss and try to be comforted in knowing what a wonderful and special person Tom was to everyone that knew him. His legacy will live on for generations.
John and Rita Eichhorn
October 20, 2018
Paul, so sorry to learn of Tom's death. My heart is with you and your family as you walk this difficult journey.
LaVerne
LaVerne Flagel
October 20, 2018
I was very sad to learn of Tom’s death. He was a great guy and a big part of my life in high school. My thoughts are with the entire Phelan family.
David Carrithers
October 19, 2018
Kathy and family, My deepest sympathy for the loss of Tom.I have many fond memories of growing up with such a fine and fun friend.You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Terry O'Toole
Terry O'Toole
October 19, 2018
I worked with Tom at Jones pool for one summer many years ago, and the fun we had are lasting memories of a wonderful person. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Bill (billybob) Klahn.
Bill Klahn
October 19, 2018
To the Phelan family, I'm so sorry for your loss, and what a loss to our community. Being the very great man that he was, and doing all the great things he did his in his life, with a special thank you for his military service! May GOD Bless You Tom May You Rest In Peace.
Jeff Maish Sr.
October 19, 2018
Paul and all the Phelans, we are so very saddened with your loss. While we knew and enjoyed Tom, we also know the Phelan Family, all of whom we so deeply admire and respect. Our deepest sympathy, our hearts and our prayers are with Kathy and every single one of you.
Ron and Sue Olson
October 19, 2018
Thoughts and prayers for the Phelan family regarding Tom's passing. I had the opportunity to work with Tom on several projects while at Mercy as well social time at the ID, on the river, and Elkhart Lake. Tom had a gift for always making work or play enjoyable. Couldn't find a more generous person. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Scott Lindsley
October 19, 2018
Phelan Family, Kathy,
So saddened and shocked by the news of Tom’s passing. I think of him fondly as always having a welcoming smile and humorous comment. I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Barbara Doyle
October 19, 2018
So sorry to read about Tom’s passing. I still remember enjoying his company on a Skogman trip and our encounters doing business. You all have our deepest sympathy. He was a very nice man.
Kathy and Jeff Schumacher
October 19, 2018
To Paul and Kathy and the wonderful Phelan family. Some men and women just seem larger than real life. They occupy a larger spot in our hearts. And their passing is unimaginable. Tom was one of those men. Tom’s whole life was one of kindness. Seems to be a Phelan family trait.
Word of his sudden passing spread quickly among his old classmates. Tom was not one of those people whose classmates have a hard time remembering them. He was well known and fondly remembered. Handsome and humorous.
Tom’s faith in the Lord served him well in this life and will serve well in his new life. Almighty God is the God of the Living and of the Dead. Tom’s eyes are now open to the full Truth of our Heavenly Father.
I thank God for you Tom. Your family will be in my prayers and Jesus will lighten their heavy burden in the heartbreaking days to come. Life moves on but never in the same way after a loss. We have no choice but to turn to God. A special prayer for Paul in his second loss of a son.
Michael Hanrahan
October 19, 2018
Lots of prayers and love to the family. Tom will truly be missed by all.
Bob Colquhoun
October 19, 2018
Phelans - We are saddened to hear of your loss. Tom always made us feel welcomed at family gatherings.
Kevin and Mary Farmer
October 19, 2018
To Kathy and family, Tom was always a big presence when he walked in a room, loved and admired by so many. I am so sorry for your loss.
Bette Cooper
October 19, 2018
To the Phelan family:
Please accept our condolences on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this most difficult time. We hope that comfort and peace come to you. We know he will truly be missed. He had a very positive impact on the community.
May God bless all of you.
Jim and Carol Voss
Jim Voss
October 19, 2018
Our thoughts are with you.
Dean,Alice,Jeff,Malynda Stegman
October 19, 2018
Tom left a big impact with all who knew him. He will be missed by so many. His passing was so sudden and unexpected, it will be challenging for those left behind. So, Kathy, and family, we uphold you in prayer and ask for God's strength and comfort as you move through your next days. You are loved. And he is in such a great place. HUGS.
Donna and Kermit Jelmeland
October 19, 2018
It was both shocking and heartbreaking to hear of Tom’s sudden passing. We are so grateful for the time we were fortunate to spend together during the time we all consider to be the joining of our families at Matt and Barbara’s wedding and Christmas time. It was easy to see his friendly, inclusive spirit and the pride he held for his family. We mourn with you during this time and will remember him always. I know he will continue to bring us joy through the many stories that will be shared. Praying you can enjoy some of those stories even now and find God’s peace in your hearts in time, by the comfort of the Holy Spirit. With love,
Dan, Donna, Susan, Diana and Napo
Vallarta Family
October 19, 2018
As some of Tom's racing buddies, Jon Weiman, Mike Willis, Brent Garganos and I send our condolences. We'll miss Tom, his driving skill, his humor and his willingness to help anybody improve their driving ability. Tom personified the car nut's motto, "Life is short--always drive a cool car." Tom ALWAYS had a cool car. I'll never forget the time Tom arrived at my door in his brand new BMW 850i and said, "Take it for a drive." We'll miss you Tommie. But we know you'll have the coolest chariot up there.
rich merritt
October 18, 2018
So very sorry for the loss of this wonderful man. When death is so sudden it is almost like you need to say it out loud over and over to really believe it happen. Tom's mother was so wonderful in helping me cope with our daughters sudden death. I have all kinds of Betty sayings I often quote to others. Knowing Paul Senior...Paul Junior and Kathy , Mary Beth.....and Suzanne Schmidt (also in Heaven) I feel I know many of the wonderful Phelan family....Please know we are praying for you and sending hugs and healing messages. Praying for Melanie and her siblings as well as totally understand her loss of a wonderful father!.....Sally and Gene Kopecky
Sally and Gene Kopecky
October 18, 2018
Mary Beth and Family,
Sending my condolences on Thomas's passing. May the love of your friends and family comfort you in the days to come.
Jan Garens - Benchmark
Jan Garens
October 18, 2018
It was my pleasure to know Tom as a part of a leadership group at the Chamber of Commerce. We had many valuable visits to local businesses. He was a valuable member of the group, and remained a good friend of mine after that experience. I celebrate his life. We are all better because he was here. My best to his family and friends who will miss him greatly. It was a pleasure to know him.
William C. Jacobson- Retired Educator.
William C Jacobson
October 18, 2018
We are so stunned and saddened by the news of Tom's passing. Our prayers go out to you, Kathy and the rest of your family as well as our condolences for your loss.
Ann and Fritz Paulson
Ann Paulson
October 18, 2018
Shocked to read about Tom's passing. You are all in our prayers.
Bob AND Myra Holley
October 18, 2018
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Our heartfelt condolences go out the Phelan Family.
Brian Klinger & The Klinger Family
October 18, 2018
To Matt and all, I met him at your wedding and liked him immediately! He was a wonderful human being and I’ll remember him with all the feelings I had when I met him. My condolences to you and your family. I Love you
Mom Vallarta
October 18, 2018
Wow.. so sad to hear the passing of Tom. He was such a fun guy to work for (the short time I was there)always had a funny something to say to bring a smile to my face each and every day. My deepest condolences to the Phelan family as I know he will surely be missed.
Suzette Gadegbeku
October 18, 2018
To Paul, Mary Beth and the Phelan family. My heart is breaking for the loss of Tom. I know your mom and Peter were waiting for him a God's heavenly gate. I will always remember your brother as greeting me with a big smile & hug. He will be missed by so many. God be with your family to heal your hearts. With love, Pam & Steve Strauss
PS I know my Dougie was up there in line to greet Tom too.
Pamela (Ilten) Strauss
October 18, 2018
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Tom was a nice and funny guy.
Cheryl Novey
October 18, 2018
Melanie and family,
May Thomas's memory be a blessing always. My condolences to you all.
Nate Shapiro
October 18, 2018
Our condolences to the Phelan family. Tom always made a point to get up from his desk and greet us when we came into the store, always with a big smile and handshake.
Tom also taught a "speed driving" course once at the police dept. I "took out" a bunch of cones that had been laid out for the track and Tom just kept yelling "That's great, faster, faster"..
We've moved to Missouri so we won't be at the funeral physically, but our prayers are with you. Jeff Ilten
JEFFREY J ILTEN
October 18, 2018
Kathy and the entire Phelan family: Our deepest condolences to your family at this very difficult time. Tom will be missed by all who knew him.
"I give you this one thought to keep----I am with you still, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow; I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone----I am with you still in each new dawn."
Godspeed, Tom, you are now in His care.
Bernie and Deb Burmeister
October 18, 2018
Kathy & Family, I’m so sorry to hear of Toms passing. I’m celebrating Toms joy as he heard those words,Well Done Good & Faithful Servant! I know your Faith will get you through this journey. My thoughts & Prays are with you. I hope you feel the love.
Sue Schneidermann
October 18, 2018
So sorry to learn of that Tom has left us. My condolences to the entire Phelan family.
Chuck Ashford
October 18, 2018
I’m so sorry to hear of Tom passing
I really enjoyed talking to him. I met Tom through a plumbing after hours service call and he was more worried about taking time away from my family than his plumbing issues. He put a note in my truck while I was fixing the plumbing, he was thanking me for coming out and put $40 in it and said take your wife to dinner and thank her for letting you come fix my toilet.
His wife just had surgery and needed that toilet. What an awesome guy .
Jeff Evans
October 18, 2018
Kathy, Meghan, Matt, McClain & Melanie,
I was so shocked and saddened to hear about the sudden loss of Tom. Such fond, fun memories I have of him (and all of you!) while growing up together on White Eagle. Quite the neighborhood crew we all were... Tom was always good for a laugh and had such a great spirit! You guys were like family, and I'm so sorry you are going through such loss and pain - he's just gone much too soon. Thinking of you all regularly and keeping you in my prayers. - Brooke
Brooke (Boretsky) Spicer
October 18, 2018
Kathy and family, Jeff and I and our whole family were so distressed to hear of Tom’s passing. A good man gone too soon from this earth for sure. Tom was a great husband and father and we have such fond memories of our kids growing up together. Our hearts ache for you. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Cathy & Jeff Intlekofer and family
Cathy Intlekofer
October 18, 2018
My dear Kathy. You have been through so much loss. I know Tom was your rock through it all. He was too young, too dynamic and too good to be gone so soon. You are a strong woman. I know your faith and strength of character will get you through this terrible loss. The community lost a big personality and a very generous and kind man. My sincerest condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Lisa Huey
October 17, 2018
So sad to hear of Tom’s passing. Shocked to say the least. My condolences to all that knew and shared his smile. Miles apart but still in my heart. Too many friends are leaving too soon in life.
Mark Meyocks
October 17, 2018
Tom and us are "slip" neighbors in Guttenburg, our boats are right next to each other. I'm not the kind of guy who goes out searching for new friends, but over the years I kind of "lightened up" to Tom. It was common for my wife and I to arrive on the dock for the weekend, he would be sitting in his chair on the dock, sipping a cocktail, and as we walked by him headed to our boat, he would greet her with "Hello Ms. Diane", and I just giving him a nod of my head! Throughout the weekend however, Tom and I would exchange a few "dry humor" sarcastic remarks, just kind of "messing" with each other, neither of us taking the other too serious! Occasionally, I would even give him a BAC (big ass cigar) to enjoy! Next summer, the first weekend we walk to our boat, we will be thinking of Tom, we will miss him! Our sincere condolences to the Phelan Family.......
Lynn& Diane Moller
October 17, 2018
Tom Phelan Family,
We would like to express our deepest sympathies and assure all of you of our prayers at the loss of Tom. He most certainly will be missed by many.
Deacon Bob and Barb Hurych
Deacon Robert Hurych
October 17, 2018
We have known and respected Tom and his keen sense of business and joy for life. We are so very very sorry to read this and send you all a virtual hug.
Janelle and George McClain
October 17, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Phelan family during this most difficult time-
God Bless!
Keith and Linda Alt-Farmer
October 17, 2018
Condolences to the entire Phelan family and especially to Paul Sr. who has meant a great deal to me throughout the years. People like Tom Phelan are few and far between in this world. Nobody that ever knew him could forget the incredibly warm and charming smile. Losing someone like Tom is indeed a shock. Time now to recall all of the good things he brought to this life. I am extremely proud to have called Tom my friend and like all, I will miss him dearly!
Tom Anderson
October 17, 2018
To the entire Phelan family, please accept my condolences. I was not prepared to say good bye to a man so young as I am sure was the same for you. I know your heart is tender today and I pray that you all find strength from your wonderful family and so many friends.
Juli Junge Hardin
October 17, 2018
Kathy, sorry to hear about Tom. My brother David sent me a text yesterday afternoon and I called him immediately. We shared some Tom stories, laughed at most but really talked about how sad it would be if we didn’t really know Christ. What a gift God gave us to know Him. I have so many memories of our times together, both you and Tom, and that will never go away. I’m praying for you and the kids that your love will grow stronger for each other and that you will all never, ever take another day for granted again. When I see Paul Sr on the bike trail, I will yell out to him, not RIp Tom, but praise God for 1 John 5: 11-13. Again, praying for you! Steve Scheib
Steven Scheib
October 17, 2018
Will miss Tom at the dock in Gutttenberg, He always made it a challenge to get by the "Mayor" of the dock without a check in with him. I enjoyed many a Saturday afternoon talking of the little things in life without realizing how much they really mean now. Miss you Tommy!
Art Mason
October 17, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Kathy and your family. We always enjoyed spending time with you guys on the river. Tom was always so well thought of in everything he did. He will be missed but yet remembered for the kind, considerate Christian life he led.
Tari & Linda Dailey
October 17, 2018
We've known Tom since high school. I have no memories of Tom without that broad smile. Just being around him made me feel better. In those rare times when I was back in CR, if I had a spare hour during the workweek, I'd stop by Phelans in hopes Tom would be there. He was a great help counseling me when our son died. There are few people as fine as Tom.
Carl & Dana Schultz
October 17, 2018
Tom Phelan Family,
We would like to express our deepest sympathies and assure all of you of our prayers at the loss of Tom.
It most certainly will be missed by many.
Deacon Bob and Barb Hurych
Deacon Bob Hurych
October 17, 2018