Thomas J.
Klement
Click here to view the service held for Thomas on Friday, October 16th, 2020
Thomas J. “Tom” Klement
Thomas J. “Tom” Klement, 54, of Highlands Ranch, CO and formerly of Muskego, WI passed away suddenly at home on April 12, 2020. He was born on October 19, 1965 to the late William “Bill” Klement and Mary Jane (nee Konkol) in Milwaukee, WI.
Upon graduating from Muskego High School in 1984, he attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater studying mathematics and computer science, followed by 10 years of service in the U.S. Army where he earned the officer ranking of 1st Lieutenant.
Tom spent his professional career in the field of information technology. For the last 16 years, he was employed as a Software Engineer at Visa where his co-workers affectionately knew him as their local weatherman and math whiz. Tom maintained a personal journal of complex algebraic and calculus problems, just “for fun.”
A single man all his life, Tom was surrounded by the love of family, many friends including his lifelong best buddy Nick Erickson, and his late beloved dog Fred. His father Bill influenced Tom’s love of the outdoors, going on many fishing and hunting trips together. Known as “Uncle Tommy” by his adoring nieces, nephews and children of cousins and friends, he is remembered for giving the best bear hugs, wildest boating tube rides and master fishing lessons. If you knew Tom personally, you were automatically given a unique and everlasting nickname. With an endearing, jolly and slightly loud personality that could instantly light up a room, the memory of Tom will forever be tied to his crowd-pleasing and invigorating lead performances of the Proclaimer’s song “500 Miles” at family camping and wedding events.
Survivors include his loving mother and four sisters, Kathy (Allan) Kehring, Karen (Steve) Marschner, Kelly (Jon) Filicetti, Mary (Tom) Rogers, nine nieces and nephews, Dr. Allysa Kehring (Dr. Milad Behbahaninia), Brandon Kehring, Lewis Marschner, Rebecca (Corban) McCammon, Anna Filicetti, Will Filicetti, Jimmy Filicetti, Rose Rogers and Glen Rogers, plus many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father and infant brother Joseph.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on October 16, at 12 PM, at St. Mary Catholic Faith Community Church (9520 W. Forest Home Ave.) For those unable to attend the Mass, a recording of the Mass will be available to be viewed on Heritage Funeral Home’s website. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the charity of your choice appreciated. Tom was a Christian man and an organ donor; in death, he has given another the gift of sight.
I remember being a regular fixture in The Klement home, with Tommy being my surrogate little brother. He was always so much fun to be around. He was just bursting with fun, joy, and energy.
Thank you God, for bringing Tommy into our lives. Now it’s your turn to share him with all the saints in heaven.
Tom K was a super smart guy, His problem solving abilities amazes everyone at Visa. He has written several cool utilities at work, that will live so many years to come(So he will be living with us by means of his great programs) and will echo Tom’s name with pride. Thanks for everything Tom!
David and I remember the fun we all had at Idle Hour, “Up North.” Going fishing, water skiing, and games at the Shack. It was just plain fun with Tom! He always made you smile!
Tom,
May the glory of Heaven warm your backside, may the mosquitos leave you be.
May the fish be ever biting, and your boat float…ever free.
May the walleye fill your belly, with plenty for all to share…
Your reward, my friend…forever…for a GEM in life…so rare.
I’ll never forget you, brother.
Pete-Pete-Pete, that’s me your buddy, Pete
I had the pleasure of working with Tom for the past 16 years at Visa. He was always positive, never negative and willing to take care of anything at a moments notice. He will be greatly missed!
Condolences and prayers to Tom’s family, especially his mother, Mary Jane, who is the one I know, may you be strong in your faith, and peace in you heart knowing we are with you in spirit.
I wish to convey my condolences to your family on hearing of Tom’s passing. He and I were at UW-Whitewater and went through ROTC together. We were commissioned on the same day. Just a very good guy; always smiling. I’ll pray for his soul and that your family experience God’s mercy and healing at this time of loss.
My family’s thoughts and prayers go out to Tom and all who knew him. I first met Tom at the dining hall at UW-Whitewater at the start of the school year. Either Tom and Nick had seen me at a ROTC meeting or maybe it was our similar haircuts but we somehow knew we had all completed basic training that summer. We sat together for that meal starting a long friendship. It had been weeks since Tom graduated from basic but he was as excited as if he had just marched off the drill field. And that’s what I most admired about Tom, his ability to be upbeat and positive whether you were celebrating an accomplishment or struggling through tough times. Thanks to Nick, we were able to have a small reunion for an evening last year. Our friend Larry joined us as well and the four of us reminisced. Nick pointed out how special the night was since we had not been together since college. We all agreed but now that point has been driven home even more. God bless Tom and his family.
Tom was a dear friend, both professionally and personally. He was always caring and helpful, and gave me a place to live for a number of years as a room mate. I will be forever grateful. I hope this current health crisis didn’t put too much of a damper on the celebration of Tom’s life. Wish I could have been there to share it with all of you. My sincere sympathies for your loss.
Just saying hi buddy!
Impossible to tell you the number of times I want to discuss what is going on and enjoy a great conversation.