Tom Will
Tom Will, 86, beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2024, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Born on May 20, 1938, in Minster, Ohio, to Theodore and Margaret (Byrne) Will, Tom lived a life full of love, adventure, and dedication.
He married his beloved wife Sandra “Sandy” L. Gorecki on December 9, 1972, in Hofa Park, Wisconsin. Together they had three children.
A graduate of the University of Detroit with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, Tom’s career was distinguished by remarkable achievements. He contributed to the Saturn V rocket project in the 1960s, sold large machinery internationally, and later, along with Sandy, owned a commercial and industrial refrigeration company for thirty years.
Tom’s passions extended beyond his professional life. He was an avid golfer and sailor, often taking his family on memorable weekend sails around Lake Winnebago on the “Cool It,” a name that references his refrigeration company. His commitment to the community was evident through his involvement and leadership in various committees, including St. Mary’s Springs Academy, St. Joseph’s and Holy Family Church, St. Vincent DePaul, Rotary International, and Knights of Columbus.
Tom cherished the daily blessings and special occasions. His birthday dinners featured a delicious steak, homemade fries, and angel food cake with White Mountain Frosting made from scratch, just like his mom made for him as a boy. Christmas was marked by a festive goose dinner, while Thanksgiving was capped by his homemade turkey gravy. One of Tom’s favorite traditions was making caramels from scratch every Christmastime, a practice he continued until his last holiday season. Using a decades-old recipe, he would painstakingly wrap each caramel individually, often enlisting the help of Sandy and their boys, and hand them out as heartfelt gifts.
Above all, Tom was a devoted family man and cherished time with his family. He and Sandy would love to take the boys on bonding adventures, both domestic and abroad. He also reserved special trips just with Sandy, jetting off to distant places or enjoying biking trips together with friends.
Supporting the children’s activities was crucial to Tom, and he attended many concerts, theater productions, sports games/meets, and Scouting events. Lighting the house for Christmas was no different, and as his lighting projects grew grander, his sons would help while Sandy would make chili, a tradition that lasted for many years. His warmth, dedication, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his three sons, Brad (Jennifer), Steve (Agata), and Patrick; six grandchildren, Zosia, Liam, Sofia, Tommy, Ellie, and Therese; his brother Ted (Mary Margaret); and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Sandy, his parents, his sister, Mary Ann Will, and several cousins and friends.
The family sends special thanks, love, and appreciation to the staff of Harbor Haven Health & Rehabilitation and SSM Hospice Home of Hope for the love and care they showered Tom with until his final moments.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM on Friday, October 25, 2024, at Holy Family Church, 271 Fourth Street Way, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 AM, with a lunch for all attendees in the church dining hall.
Memorials in Tom’s name may be directed to the charity of your choice.
Services are in the care of Zacherl Funeral Home at 875 E. Division Street, Fond du Lac, WI 54935.