Tom passed away on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at the age of 72. He was the loving father of Mathew (Angela), Daniel (Sara) and Nena (Michael) Hutchinson. He cherished his grandchildren Mitchell, Brady and Brenna Hutchinson. Tom was the beloved son of Suzanne (Walter) Zitzke and the late Keith Hutchinson. He will be sorely missed by his siblings, Mary, Cherie, Gail (Thomas Junemann), Linda, Joel, step-sisters Pamela McCarthy and Deborah Zitzke, plus nieces, nephews, other relatives and many new and old friends, including his former spouse Rita Forrester.

At Menomonee Falls North High school, Tom excelled in golf and was the captain of the gymnastic team.  After graduation in 1967, he proudly enlisted in the Army under the Buddy Program, which allowed a new recruit and up to five friends to enlist and train in the Army together. After basic training, Tom was stationed in Vietnam for over a year, and earned a Purple Heart in the first month of duty.  After Vietnam, he returned to his job he had at AO Smith/Tower Automotive, until his retirement.  

Florida was his home for 14 years after retirement, as he enjoyed warm weather, the beaches and golf.  He monitored the stock market as a day trader, and only moved back to Wisconsin to be closer to his family, especially his grandchildren and his mom Suzanne, who he considered his best friend.  

Throughout his lifetime, Tom was the life of the party. He looked forward to weekends, events and parties. He loved all kinds of music, and never missed an opportunity to have fun.  He would travel to Eagle River every summer to spend time at Uncle Mark's lake cabin.  He went to music fests, local church festivals, and Summerfest every year since it opened in 1968!  With family and friends, new and old, he danced and lived life.  He played a guitar, a good game of sheepshead, attended hundreds of concerts, Packer, Badger, Brewer, and Bucks games, and he always looked forward to breakfast with his lifelong friend, Donn Koglin.     

Visitation will take place on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, from 3:00 pm until the time of Memorial Service with Military Honors at 5:00 pm at SCHMIDT & BARTELT FUNERAL HOME – MENOMONEE FALLS.

Following the Service, a gathering/celebration will be held from 6:30-10 pm in downtown Milwaukee. The location will be shared at the service.

At a future date, Tom will be laid to rest at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, Wisconsin.    

Tom volunteered his time at the VA in Milwaukee.  Memorials in Tom's name would be greatly appreciated to the Vietnam Veterans of America or the Honor Flight Network Program.