Thomas L. Stevens Sr.

Thomas Lee Stevens, Sr., born September 5, 1940, to Patrick Henry and Delia (Behrens) Stevens, left this world peacefully on January 17, 2026, surrounded by the family who adored him. A good Irish soul through and through, he carried his heritage with quiet pride, steady, loyal, and always ready with a story.

Thomas grew up in Monico, Wisconsin, in a lively home with ten siblings. He went to high school in Three Lakes, then headed to St. Norbert College in De Pere for his undergraduate degree, later earning his graduate degree from the University of Wisconsin.

He spent more than 30 years serving the Howard‑Suamico School District as a teacher, administrator, and coach, roles he poured his whole heart into. After retiring from the district in 1997, he took on a second career with Northwest Airlines, staying on until the merger with Delta.

On August 31, 1963, he married Suzanne (Smits) Stevens, and together they raised six children, never a quiet moment, but always a full and loving home.

Thomas had a deep love of travel. When the kids were young, he packed them into a station wagon, six kids, a pop‑up camper, and all the chaos and laughter that came with it, and headed off on long summer adventures, including two unforgettable camping trips to Alaska. He treasured time spent in Rhinelander and Pelican Lake, places that felt like home. As he got older, his travels took him farther, across Europe and Asia, with especially fond memories of visiting dear friends Ron and Jon in England.

Proud of his values and his heritage, Thomas was an active member of the Democratic Party and served as Home Office Secretary to Congressman Robert John Cornell in the late 70’s. He and Suzanne also ran the ABC Home, opening their doors to nine teenagers who needed support and stability during their high school years. Their work as house parents for the ABC (A Better Chance) program made them early pioneers for social change in the area, and they were honored with the B’nai B’rith Award for their commitment to creating opportunity and equity. Thomas stayed especially close to his son Ken Hart, keeping that bond strong until the end.

For the past 23 years, Thomas shared his life with his loving partner, Max Goldberg. Together they traveled and enjoyed following sports.

Thomas is survived by his children: Thomas (Olivia), Marion, Francis (Michelle), Sarah, Anne, and Patrick.

His grandchildren are Spencer, Sean (Andrea), Tesia, Sophia, Max, Madison, Liam, Kali (Jalen), and McKenzie (Alec).

His great‑grandchildren are Elijah, Althea, Cosmos, Riley, Amara, and Elijah.

He is also survived by his sister, Fayne Diegel (Larry) of Rhinelander; his sister‑in‑law, Shirley Stevens; and many nieces, nephews, and their families, an entire clan that carries forward the spirit he embodied.

Thomas was preceded in death by his brothers Patrick, Michael, Jerry, Harry, and Denny, and by his sisters Joan, Lois, Ruth, and Iris. Their memories, along with his, remain woven into the fabric of the family.

Thomas leaves behind a legacy rooted in love, service, humor, and the kind of steadfast loyalty the Irish are known for. His memory will be held close by his family and loved ones.

Visitation will take place on Friday, January 23, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (340 S. Monroe Ave, Green Bay, WI 54301). A Celebration of Life will take place immediately following visitation at 5:00 PM.