In Loving Memory

Thomas F. Tamsett

1950 - 2026

After 6 months of a difficult and courageous journey against what Tom called “the Beast”, he chose to end his pain and struggles and found peace on June 22, 2026. Forever keeping him in their hearts are his wife of 54 years Jackie, his daughter Kari, son-in-law Jared and Grandson Zachery. Tom is lovingly remembered by brothers and sisters-in-law, whom he saw as true brothers and sisters. Anita Tamsett, Dan and Robin, Don, Joe and Tina (Rajchel). Many nieces and nephews will remember him for his warm and loving hugs. Extended family and friends will remember his quiet observations, wry sense of humor with a witty quip and mischievous smile that had you thinking and laughing at the same time. Tom is predeceased by his beloved son Keith, brother Bernie and sister Barbara.

Tom grew up in Milwaukee, moving to Alabama for 2 years due to his dad’s job, returning in his mid-teen years. He left High School his senior year to join the Army which lead to the 82nd Airborne for 4-1/2months as a machine gunner then to the 1/7 Cavalry as a Sergeant and machine gunner squad leader during the Vietnam War. It was in Vietnam that Tom earned the lifelong admiration and respect of the brave men he served with. He returned to the USA in Ft. Hood TX where, as he said, “to finish my sentence.” While on leave back home he met the love of his life, married in 1972 and had 2 children whom he loved with all his heart.

In 1979 a work-related accident changed the trajectory of his life. After 2 years of healing, he was determined to go out on his own, and Double T Enterprises was established. A union painting company he owned for 25 years employed 29 people at one point. When he felt he had done what he set out to do, he turned the operations over to our daughter yet remained “the man behind the scenes.” He was ready to relax and enjoy life away from the daily grind.

Over the next 15 to 20 years Tom enjoyed traveling with his wife as well as friends and family. Vacations included cruises, 5 years of Brewer Spring Training, Touring Major League Baseball Parks (saw 24), with side trips including Niagara Falls, Baseball Hall of Fame, Hearst Castle, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Rose Parade among others, and a” FEW” trips to Las Vegas. When not traveling he enjoyed Bowling (although he always said “I go for the beer”), Cribbage with the family, Sheepshead with the guys, coin collecting, puzzles, reading Civil War books, and being an avid Disney movie fan. He looked forward to breakfast or lunch with his grandson, son-in-law, brothers, friends and family. Tom had an easy-going personality and always helped out when and where there was a need, doing odd painting jobs and repairs when asked.

Over the years he reunited with the 1/7 Cavalry unit at reunions and renewed the bond that was formed when they served together in Vietnam, an unbreakable brotherhood that remains to this day. The men of the 1/7 Cavalry and their families are what love looks like! They always answer the call. GARRY OWEN!

A special Thank you to the staff at Milwaukee VA who took exceptional care of Tom. The love and compassion they showed Tom and all the Veterans in their care is so very heartwarming. You know who you are. Thank you also to family, friends and neighbors who showed love and support in so many ways. This difficult journey for Tom and his family was made a bit easier by your kindness.

His Heart is at Peace

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 10:00 AM until time of service at 12:00 PM at the Max A. Sass & Sons Greenridge Chapel, 4747 S. 60th Street, Greenfield, WI. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to a Veteran organization of your choice. All monetary memorials will be forwarded to Veteran Organizations in the Milwaukee area in Tom’s memory.