Thomas K. Bigelow, 71, joined family and his Lord in heaven on October 23, 2020, following his struggle with COVID-19. Tom was born to Kermit and Janet (Gerhartz) Bigelow in Oconto Falls on July 23, 1949. He attended St. Anthony’s Grade School and graduated from Oconto Falls High School in 1967. Tom continued his education at the University of Wisconsin Madison where he earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting, followed by becoming a CPA. After graduation, he moved to Green Bay where he started his business Bigelow & Company Accountants which he operated for just shy of 50 years. Working was the reason Tom got up every day. He thoroughly enjoyed his accounting business and connecting with his clients and employees.
Tom was a true “foodie”, enjoying both cooking unique dishes and dining out at fine restaurants. He was always creating something new in the kitchen which he insisted you try.
Tom was extremely intelligent with a photographic memory. He loved reading all kinds of books. He was both a teacher and a student and loved to pass on his knowledge to others. He would explain to his family members about the food he created, the gift he bought, or any other knowledge he recently acquired.
Tom enjoyed both singing and dancing. He was known to sing a great rendition of “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra and was always the lead “Happy Birthday” singer at family parties. Because of his illnesses, it has been some time since Tom has been able to dance, however, in his younger years, he glided around the dance floor effortlessly.
Tom lived a full life which included traveling. New York held a special place in his heart, and he traveled there several times, including to watch the ball drop in 2000.
Tom was also a devoted Catholic and most recently belonged to St. Patrick and St. Agnes Churches in Green Bay.
Even with his several health issues, Tom enjoyed living life. He had no desire to stop living. He felt he still had parties to cook for, people to meet, work to be done and conversations to be had.
Tom is survived by his siblings, Jerry (Gloria) Bigelow, Dan (Nhoua) Bigelow, Jane Bigelow and Angie (Todd) Siebert; nieces and nephews, Kelly (Joel) De Moulin, Mary Ellen (Nick) Van De Yacht, Kyle (Sara) Bigelow, Brandon Bigelow and Charlie Siebert; his great-nieces and nephews, Jake and Paige De Moulin, Logan Konitzer, Alayna Van De Yacht, and Rhiana Van De Yacht (his godchild).
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, Conrad and Johanna Gerhartz, and several aunts and uncles.
Friends may call at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 211 N. Maple Avenue, on Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. Thursday at the church with the Rev. Armando Red officiating. Burial will be in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Oconto Falls on Thursday at 2:30 p.m.
Thank you to his friends and staff for your help and friendship; especially his clients who supported him and his business while becoming his friends throughout the years. We know you meant the world to him. Also, thank you to the caring staff of Bellin Hospital for taking good care of our brother, and taking the time in your busy schedules to facetime with us and be the caring support he needed when family could not be there.