Thomas Peterson

Thomas Scott Peterson, lovingly known as Tom, was born on August 12, 1948, in Ashland, Wisconsin, to Elizabeth (Bette) and Arnold (Pete) Peterson. After bravely battling cancer for much of his adult life, Tom passed away peacefully on October 16th at Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with his loving family by his side.

Tom graduated from DePadua High School in 1966. He went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Superior, where his love for radio and broadcasting began to shape his career. While attending college, he worked at WAKX Radio in Superior and WEBC in Duluth, Minnesota. Radio was truly in his blood, and he became known on the air as Tom Robins, the name listeners came to know and love.

Tom proudly served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Wasp, a service that remained an important part of his life.

Following his time in the Navy, Tom moved to Ishpeming, Michigan, where he worked at WJPD Radio as program manager. He continued his broadcasting career at WLUC-TV in Marquette, Michigan, where he became the familiar voice of their commercial station identification.

Eventually, Tom returned to his beloved hometown of Ashland, where his heart always remained. He worked at WATW and Wally Motor as a salesman and commercial writer. Later, he spent many years working at Walmart, where he made many dear friends before retiring.

On September 29, 1979, Tom married the love of his life, Connie Fleck. Together they built a wonderful life and raised two children, Stephanie and Josh. His family meant everything to him. In 2014, Tom and Connie moved to Green Bay to be closer to their children and grandchildren, who brought so much joy to his life.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Connie (his beloved "Mum," as he affectionately called her), of Green Bay; his two children, Stephanie (Brandon) Vandevelde and Joshua (Josh) Peterson; and his three cherished grandchildren, Kaitlyn Vandevelde, Jaxon Vandevelde, and Brooklyn Vandevelde, all of Green Bay. He is also survived by his sister, Maribeth (Ed) Monroe of Ashland; many wonderful nieces and nephews; multiple brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; his best friends, Tom and Sue Tibbits of Washburn; and dear friends and in-laws Randy and Cindy Vandevelde of Green Bay.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bette and Arnold (Pete) Peterson; his brother, Terry Peterson; his nephews, Jeffery and Jaybird Monroe; his mother-in-law, Marjorie Fleck; and his father-in-law and wife, Bill and Kitty Fleck.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the amazing staff at Odd Fellows Rebekah Home Association, Aurora BayCare Medical Center in Green Bay and Aurora hospice as well as Simply Cremation in Green Bay Wisconsin for the wonderful care, kindness, and compassion they showed Tom.

A burial service will be held at a later date in Ashland, Wisconsin.

Tom will be remembered for his love of radio, his dedication to his country, his deep connection to his hometown, and, most importantly, his love for his family and friends. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Rest peacefully, Tom. You will forever be loved and never forgotten.