Thomas Nethery

Thomas W. "Tom" Nethery, age 78 of Sussex, WI formerly of Darlington, WI passed away Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Community Memorial Hospital in Menomonee Falls, WI. Tom was born May 17, 1945, in Shullsburg, WI, the son of Timothy and Shirley (McFarland) Nethery. He attended Rowe Country School until 8th grade and then attended high school in Darlington where he graduated with the class of 1963. Tom married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Schilling, on September 28, 1963, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Calamine, WI. Together, they raised their family in Darlington. Tom worked briefly for Glendenning Reddy Mix, and then for the Lafayette County Highway Department. He then went on to work for 30 years as a lineman for Grant/Lafayette Electric. After Tom and Bonnie retired, they enjoyed spending winters at their home in Mesa, AZ. In 2016, Tom and Bonnie moved to Sussex where they have resided since to be closer to their family. Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years Bonnie; his children: Tim (Becky) Nethery of Menomonee Falls, WI, Todd (Lisa) Nethery of Dunlap, IL, and Brian (Jeniffer) Nethery of Sussex, WI; his grandchildren: Kyle (Hilary) Nethery, Brett (Molly) Nethery, Emma & Zach Nethery, and Lauren, Jake, and Benjamin Nethery; four great-grandchildren: Harlow, Gwendolyn, Knox, and Isaac; three brothers: Jack (Pat) Nethery of Darlington, Ronnie (Susie) Nethery of Wiota, WI, and Jim (Mary) Nethery of Madison, WI; two sisters: Donna (Ric) Douglas of Darlington and Kay (Bruce) Steidinger of Phelps, WI; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, JoAnne Shosie; and one brother-in-law, Greg Shosie. Tom was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington and its Knights of Columbus. He was also a proud member of the Darlington Fire Department for nearly 15 years. When he wasn't working as a lineman, he loved to spend time working on the farm. He was also a collector of antique tractors and toy tractors throughout the years. Tom was social by nature and loved to be around people - whether it was camping with his family and friends, being part of the chain gang for the Darlington Redbird football team or sitting around chatting with those he loved most. In retirement Tom enjoyed spending the winters with Bonnie in Mesa, AZ where they met many great friends from around the United States and Canada. While in AZ they both grew to love playing shuffleboard especially in leagues and tournaments. Tom was a fan of all the Wisconsin sports teams and was an avid Nascar fan. He was exceptionally proud of his 3 sons, and grandchildren and always made it a point to be present in their lives, especially at their sporting events or other extra-curricular activities making it well known how proud he was of them. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Darlington, WI with Fr. Chris Gernetzke officiating. Burial will be in Holy Rosary Cemetery at a later date. A visitation will be held Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. with a rosary being prayed at 3:30 P.M. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Visitation will also be held prior to the Mass from 10:00 A.M. until 10:45 A.M. on Friday. May 17th. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.