Thomas G. Garske

Thomas G. Garske, age 67, passed away in his Walpole, Massachusetts home on Tuesday, March 15, 2016. Born in Wausau, Wisconsin on December 2, 1948, he was the son of the late George M. and Marian A. (Rebernick) Garske. He was raised in Wausau and as a young boy, his father started a mink farm, where Tom helped his parents expertly manage the day to day operations. Tom went on to graduate from Newman High School with the Class of 1967. While in high school, he played various sports and was known around the school as a jokester. Some of his fondest memories of his high school days were generated while visiting his sister at the local root beer stand. After graduation, Tom continued his education at Marquette University, where he managed the Student Union, organizing various shows for the university. In addition, he played alongside the Marquette Warriors Basketball Team on their practice squad.

Tom earned his first sales position after college with the Household Finance Company (HFC). It was while working at HFC that he met his soon to be wife, Ginger, through a mutual friend in 1972 and they were married on June 30, 1973. As a district salesman, Tom traveled extensively through Wisconsin and Illinois in his early career before being transferred to the North East Territory. In 1976, Tom and Ginger moved to Norwood, Massachusetts and Tom began traveling throughout New England and as far south as New Jersey with HFC.

After moving to Walpole, Massachusetts in 1981, and welcoming Stefanie in 1984, Tom began his interest in photography, setting up his own home studio, complete with correct lighting and a backdrop. He left HFC, taking on various sales positions to provide for his young family throughout the mid 1980's and early 1990's. In the mid-1990's Tom took a sales position with Zep Manufacturing selling their products around the Boston area. He took great pride in his service to all of his customers, a trait which they all very much appreciated.

Tom had a love for the game of golf; he was a long standing member of the Walpole Country Club, joining in 1983. In addition to his salesman position, he began his own company, "The Golf Doctor" out of his home, repairing and building golf clubs. He quickly became "The Guy" to see about golf club repair in the New England area.

He was a gourmet cook and had a passion for wines, maintaining his own wine cellar. He would take any opportunity to read about wines and have conversations about them with friends. Tom also enjoyed watching movies and was always up to date on the latest technology that would enhance his viewing experience. In his more recent years, he began taking cruises with Ginger, together they traveled to Bermuda and around the Caribbean.

Beloved husband of Virginia A. "Ginger" (Nicolai) Garske.
Loving father of Stefanie M. Garske of Walpole.
Devoted son of the late George M. and Marian A. (Robernick) Garske.
Brother of Susan Nowak and her husband Lynn of Mequon, WI.
Son-in-law of Phyllis Nicolai of Cedarburg, WI and the late Robert Nicolai.
Brother-in-law of Bobbi and Larry Kahn of Fox Point, WI and Susan and George Roemer of Hartford, WI.
Cherished uncle of Brian and Margie Nowak of Rockford, IL, Bonnie and Eric Bachenheimer of Northbrook, IL, Jason and Amy Nowak of New Berlin, WI, Randy and Callie Kahn of Harrisburg, NC, Jamie and Courtney Kahn of Gilbert, AZ, Andy and Vanessa Kahn, MN, Paul and Sarah Roemer of West Bend, WI, Jacintha Roemer of San Diego, CA, and Malaika Roemer of Tempe, AZ.
Also survived by his extended family and his devoted companions Bo and Cooper.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Tom's Life Celebration on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 from 4-8 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. Funeral service and interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Newlifeforpaws.org