Thomas Paul Krill
“All I can do is be me; whoever that is.” – Bob Dylan
Thomas Paul Krill, 77, passed peacefully on October 23, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife of over 51 years, Kathleen, and his four children, Michael Anthony, Daniel Edward, Anthony John and Kortney Danielle. Tom lived for his family and friends, and lived he did. Born in Milwaukee, WI on February 2, 1946, Tom was the third of four boys to Edward Alfred Krill and Evelyn Lois (Gillies) Krill. Tom is survived by his brothers, Edward (Cecelia), David (late Bonnie), William (Charlotte) and countless other relatives and friends.
Tom was a creative child, frequently testing boundaries in all the best ways! He enjoyed competitive speed skating, skiing, car racing, listening to music, and following sports. He grew into a dreamer, a romantic, and an incredibly fierce and loyal friend. He shared many funny, sometimes unbelievable, stories with his lifetime friends, “The Zots.”
Tom attended St. Sebastian School, Marquette High School, and served as a medical reserve in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war. He started college at Marquette University and finished his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He was proud of the Dale Carnegie Course Award he earned during his career. Always business savvy, at age 19 he and a close friend co-owned a gas station. Tom went on to work in many transformative roles and industries throughout the years. In today’s terms he would have been considered an intrapreneur.
Tom married the love of his life, Kathleen (Katie), in 1972, and they went on to have four beautiful children. They made wonderful memories together as a family.
In his free time, Tom listened to Bob Dylan, watched AJ Foyt Jr., rode his Triumph, and vacationed at the Indy 500 and in the north woods of WI. Tom attended countless sports and music events for his children and in his community. He volunteered to coach various sports, and was a troop leader for Boy Scouts. The passion and pride he had for his family was beyond measure. He always showed up, no matter when or where, with a beaming smile lighting up his piercing blue eyes.
Tom welcomed twelve beautiful grandchildren during his time with us on earth. His greatest pride was watching his own children become parents. He will always be remembered for his humor, authenticity, friendship, and larger-than-life stories. He was a remarkable force in the world.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Grandson Isaac, and beloved family members. He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends.
A funeral mass for Tom will be held at 11:11am on Saturday, November 11 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wauwatosa, followed by a burial at Wauwatosa Cemetery. Visitation begins at 9:30am.
In lieu of flowers, memorials appreciated to Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society-Upper Plains Region, UW-Madison’s DoIT Information Technology Academy (ITA) Fund and sign the petition to Save the Milwaukee Mile. Please see funeral home website for addresses and links.
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