Thomas G. Grosse
DEFOREST–Thomas G. Grosse, 70, of DeForest, passed away peacefully at his home on January 31, 2022.
Tom was born at Madison General Hospital on September 5, 1951 in Madison. to Wilbert and Lucille (Kuehn) Grosse. He grew up on the family farm in rural Cross Plains and graduated from Middleton High School in 1969. Tom served in the Army Reserves from 1969 until 1976.
On June 6, 2004, Tom married the love of his life, Colleen Wilde, in Bear Valley. He was a lifelong builder, eventually becoming a general contractor of his own company, Trend Construction in DeForest.
During his life Tom was an active and influential community member. He was most proud of his contributions to the community, including, DeForest Veteran's Memorial Park, Golden Triangle Drifters Snowmobile Club, DeForest's Chamber of Commerce 4th of July Celebrations and numerous construction projects around the area. Tom was also active in tug of war and served a term as the United States National Tug of War Association President. You could usually find Tom and Colleen riding in their three-wheeled Slingshot motorcycle finding a live band and a dance floor.
Tom is survived by his wife of 18 years, Colleen; his children, Melissa (Pete) Phillips, Michelle (Brian) Austin, Matthew, Nathan (Candice), Laura (Nate) Milian, Nick Wilde, and Larkin Wilde (Brandon Jakubik); and his beloved grandchildren, Evan, Emily (Trevor), Avery (Cambelle), Ayden, Owyn, Zelda, Aurora, Emerson, Haven, and Graelyn; and great grandchildren. He will also be missed by his siblings, Jane (Kerry) Adler, Jim (Jayne), and Mike (Kim); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father Wilbert I. Grosse (Sept. 16, 1997) and his mother Lucille A. Grosse (May 18, 2011); a grandson, Duane; and brothers, Danny and John.
A special thanks to UW-Madison Hospital, 6th floor staff, and especially Andrew and Phil for taking such great care of Tom.
A celebration of life service officiated by Pastor Chuck Peterson was held at 11:30 a.m. on February 12, 2022 at the Ryan Funeral Home which served the family at 6924 Lake Road in DeForest.
