Thomas Austin Spears, age 86 of Baldwin, died Tuesday, June 19th, 2018, at the Baldwin Care Center. Tom was born on August 14, 1931, the son of Dr. Austin Spears and Opal Spears. Tom served as a mechanic in the United States Marines during the Korean War; he left the military after two years of service and began working for Armours and Sacred Heart Hospital as a refrigeration mechanic. On August 2nd, 1958, he was united in marriage to JoAnne Marjorie Krear; their union became blessed by three children: Michael, Julie, and Gregory.

In 1997, it was revealed that Tom had Parkinson’s disease; he fought tooth and nail against the limitations of the disease and his determination to work hard was unquestionable. His battle with Parkinson’s never hindered his love for the wilderness and the countless journeys he made with his family.

Tom had an unmatched appreciation for the outdoors and spending time with his family. He enjoyed numerous, memorable vacations to the family cabin as a child as well as hunting, fishing, and camping ventures. Tom rejoiced in his travels to unforgettable places; he always looked forward to the next exceptional journey, especially when his family accompanied him. He also took pleasure in a good game of cards with anyone who would play.

Tom will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 60 years, JoAnne; sons, Mike (Kathy) and Greg Spears; daughter, Julie (Gordy) Dalman; grandchildren, Katrina (Jonathan) Granzin, Tiffany (Shawn) Hopwood, Rachael (Josh) Schmidt, Kara (Austin) Sibley, Trevor Dalman, Tanner Dalman, Nicole Dalman, Victoria Spears, and Alexia Spears; 8 great-grandchildren; sister, Patricia Kongshaug; many nieces, nephews as well as countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Austin and Opal Spears; and brother-in-law, Richard Kongshaug.

Mass of Christian Burial for Tom will be held at 12:00PM (noon) on Monday, June 25, 2018, at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Hammond. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 10AM – 12PM on Monday at the church. Interment will be held at the Immaculate Conception Cemetery. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin, WI.