Thomas “Tom” Terwall

Thomas “Tom” Terwall, age 80, of Kenosha and Pleasant Prairie passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side after a long illness.

      Tom was born on September 12, 1939 in Kenosha. He was the son of the late Walter and Ann Terwall. Tom served his country in the U.S. Army both at Fort Bliss and Korea.

       First and foremost, he was a great family man, active in his church, he had many different roles while servicing the Village of Pleasant Prairie and he was an avid auto racing fan.

        Tom and Marilee (Mader) were united in marriage in 1960 at the Christian Reform Church in Kenosha. He is survived by his wife, Marilee, of almost 60 years. The couple had two loving sons, Gregg Thomas Terwall and Mark Steven (Denise) Terwall. In addition, he had two grandchildren, Shaun (Katie) Domrzalski and Kaitlin (Steve) Ancahas. He is also survived by four siblings, James (Karen) Terwall, Joanne Terwall, Robert (Nancy) Terwall and Patricia (Patrick) Terwall-Faulk as well as several nieces and nephews.

      Tom dedicated his life and diligently served the people of Pleasant Prairie community in various roles for 41 years. 

       Tom served on the elected Board of Pleasant Prairie since 1977 — first as a Pleasant Prairie Town Supervisor for 10 years, then as a Town Chairman for 2 years and then as the first Village President for 6 years.

       In the 1980’s as a Town Board member and volunteer with the Pleasant Prairie Fire & Rescue Department, Tom pushed for the development of EMT-D defibrillation rescue service level.  In 1988-1989, Tom promoted the development of the EMT-I rescue service level.  And, in 1991 he and other members of the Pleasant Prairie Fire & Rescue Department were the first graduates of the Paramedic rescue service level, being the smallest municipality in the State of Wisconsin to achieve that accomplishment.

      Tom was instrumental in creating the Village Administrator position and staffing the Village with professionals in all areas of the community’s government.

       On May 1, 1995, Tom was appointed to the Pleasant Prairie Plan Commission, where he served for 23 years with dedication, including his time in the role of Chairman of the Commission.

        Tom influenced many highly esteemed economic development projects during his time serving the Village, most notably the creation of the first Village Tax Incremental Financing District and the development of the LakeView Corporate Park. As a professional executive at Cherry Electric, Tom sought to bring private sector knowledge and practices to the growing Pleasant Prairie community.

        Tom advocated in transitioning the community from a Town without its own planning or zoning staff to a Village dedicated to comprehensive planning beginning in 1989 with the Village’s incorporation and hiring of a Village Planner. Tom further supported the development and implementation of planning efforts ranging from the 1985 Chiwaukee Prairie/Carol Beach Land Use and Protection Plan to the 2010 Multi-Jurisdictional Comprehensive Plan. Tom was dedicated to bringing balance to the community and a voice to residents by his mindful approach to planning as it related to environmental and economic development issues. 

       Tom spent his work career with Outboard Marine, Brunswick and he retired from Cherry Electric with 20 years.

        A memorial service for Tom will be held at a later date and notification will be published. Tom had a few charities that were close to him, so the family asks any memorials be made to the family so that they may take care of any donations.

Casey Family Options Funerals and Cremations

Stephen P. Casey, Owner and Funeral Director

(262) 653-0667     

www.CaseyFamilyOptions.com