Thomas Leonard Schwenn (b. July 27, 1946) of Paddock Lake, WI, passed away on February 18, 2017 due to complications associated with Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

"Tom" was born in Kenosha, WI to Marvin and Vesta (Ryman) Schwenn. He was their third child (of six), and despite his best efforts to drive them all crazy, they let him stick around. Along with his older brother Charles ("Chuck"), Tom would use the family's large wooded property for good use such as throwing rocks at hornet's nests. You can only imagine how that went. He loved to taunt his sisters Christine (Hanson), Nancy (Schwenn), and Mary (Schwenn) by eating all their food, and hiding their favorite things around the home. He often beguiled his friends and family by swimming in-near freezing temperatures on Lake Shangri-La, or running to and from Lake Michigan in just his swim trunks, year-round.

At 16 years old he was involved in a car accident, shattering his body and putting him into a three month coma. Against all odds he came out of it, and would will himself to walk and talk again with the aid of his grandmother, Gladys "Bambi" Snell. His doctors credited the years of running and swimming with keeping his lungs strong enough to deliver oxygen to the body and brain.

On July 4th, 1980, he married Irma (Flores) in Torreon, Mexico and were together for 36 years. Together they produced two tall and preternaturally wild animals, Thomas Ansley and Carlos Manuel.

His idols were his grandfather (Marvin T. "Grandpa Bob" Schwenn), his father, and John F. Kennedy.
He laughed at his own jokes before they even started.
He claimed to be a great cook, but only ever made popcorn, sloppy joes, and macaroni and cheese.
He treated his nieces and nephews as if they were his own children.
He never purchased a snowblower because he "had two kids for that, dammit."
He spent his 'days off' at his sons' grade school building stages and bookshelves and chaperoning field trips.
He allowed his sons to trick him into taking them out of school to see films on opening Fridays.
He was a proud graduate of St. Joseph High School (Catholic Academy) in Kenosha.
He loved to travel and explore new places, and document with films and photos.
He was a member of St. Francis Xavier parish for 29 years.
He loved the Chicago Cubs and the Green Bay Packers. But he loved watching the games with his family more.
He never turned down a game of catch with his sons. Ever.
He adored his father and mother, and brothers and sisters, all his life, as if he were still a boy.
He loved life, and his wife and sons, because there was a time when none of it were a possibility.
He worked hard and provided his family with opportunities they'll need lifetimes to earn.
He was an honest, humble, working class hero if there ever was one.
He was a good man.
He will always be with us.

He is preceded in death by his youngest son, parents, parents-in-law Raymundo and Guadalupe Flores, youngest brother David, nephew Choactemoc, and great-nephew Michael Turville.

He is survived by his incredible wife, his eldest son, eldest brother and sister-in-law, his three sisters, and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

He ended every phone conversation, and every visit, with the same words as his grandparents left with him, and which we leave with you, "never, ever forget how much we love you."

Visitation for Thomas' family and friends will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Saturday, February 25, 2017 from 10am-1pm. Mass will immediately follow.