U.S.A.F. Ret. Thomas D. “The Colonel” Brown, 52, of Rhinelander died Friday, June 19, 2015 at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison with his wife at his side. Tom was born in Milwaukee on October 12, 1962 the son of Eugene and Margeurite Brown.

He was a 1981 graduate of James Madison High School, in Milwaukee. On September 11, 1981, Tom enlisted into the United States Air Force where he proudly served his country for twenty three years retiring as a Master Sergeant in 2004. He was united in marriage to Kathleen Kincaid in Milwaukee on June 12, 1982. They later were divorced. Tom was a member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was currently employed at Rhinelander Toyota as the Assistant Service Manager and Service Advisor. Tom was united in marriage to Karen Carden on January 1, 2000 in Park Falls, and they renewed their vows on June 3, 2000 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rhinelander. The couple made their home in Rhinelander. Tom was a member of the AMVETS Rhinelander Post #724. Friday evenings you could find Tom running Karoke and being the DJ at Sunset Junction formerly the Longbranch. He enjoyed attending air shows and flying and had received his Pilot’s License in the early 1990’s. Tom also enjoyed watching football, NASCAR, going to area stock car races, hunting at the Hatfield family cabin, working on vehicles, anything military, watching educational shows and eating his favorite food, ring bologna with fried noodles and ketchup. His wanting to learn had him enroll and earn an Associate Degree in Computer Support Specialist/IT from Nicolet College. Tom loved spending time with his family especially his grandchildren, Parker and Bailey. He will be forever remembered for his willingness to help others and his passion and love for the military and his family.

He will be dearly missed by his loving wife; Karen, children; Brian (Sabrina) Brown of Highland and Eric Brown of Wausau;  his parents; Eugene and Margeurite “Meg” Brown of Fredonia; step-children, Matt Pritzl (Jen Terzinski) of Arbor Vitae and Drew Pritzl (Kristin Cibulka) of Rhinelander; two grandchildren, Parker and Bailey Brown; two brothers, James Brown of Milwaukee  and Steven Brown of Fredonia; brother-in-law, Joe Gannon of Oak Creek;  father-in-law and mother-in-law, David and Erika Carden of Park Falls; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Ralph and BJ Carden of Weston and his three beloved dachshunds, Max, Hans and Scooter. Also surviving are special friends, Jeff Moderski of Menomonee Falls, who was a lifelong friend and Jerry Shefchik of Rhinelander. Tom is further survived by nieces, nephews, and other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, one sister; Debbie Gannon and sister-in-law; Sandy Brown.

The visitation for Tom will be held on Thursday evening, June 25, 2015 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home. A second visitation will be held on Friday morning at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, located at 235 N. Stevens Street from 9:30 a.m. until the 11:00 a.m. Memorial Service. The Rev. Kari Vadis will be officiating. Full military honors will follow at the church.

Tom had signed his donor card and with his passing has been able to give a final gift to as many as fifty people.

Memorial contributions in honor of Tom may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project, 1120 G Street NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005, 1-202-558-4302

Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin 54501; 715-365-4343. Celebrating lives and healing hearts. All are invited to light a candle, sign the guestbook and leave a photo or an online condolence at hildebrandruufh.com