Tom Wien

LeRoy Thomas “Tom” Wien, age 83 of Janesville passed away at his home on March 19, 2024. He was born on August 9, 1940, in Janesville, the son of Leo and Anita (Esser) Wien. He attended St. Mary’s grade school from kindergarten thru 9th grade and graduated from Janesville High School Class of 1958. He received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education from U W Whitewater.

Tom served with the 32nd Division of the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s Red Arrow Brigade when they were called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis from 1961 to 1962. While stationed in the State of Washington, part of his group included Green Bay Packer players, Paul Hornung and Ray Nitschke. Tom frequently recalled the time when Ray Nitschke hired him to do his KP duty.

Tom married Mardel Kleinsmith on July 11, 1987 at Cargill United Methodist Church. He was employed as a teacher at Robinson Elementary School, Beloit for 29 years. He served as principal for one of those years in the absence of the regular principal. Following retirement from teaching, he secured his dream job of being a test rider for Kutter Harley Davidson in Janesville where he worked for 15 years.

Tom was a life-long lover of Harley Davidson motorcycles. He attended many Sturgis Bike Rally’s , frequently accompanied by Mardel. On one occasion, he had the opportunity to sell his Harley to Steve McQueen but Tom refused the offer.

As his grandfather, Mr. Esser owned a brewery in Janesville at one time, Tom took great interest in old Janesville history and enjoyed antiquing and collectibles. He will be remembered as a jokester who had a wide group of friends. He was a member of St. William Catholic Church.

Survivors include his wife, Mardel; children, Lisa (Chris) Hallmark, Anita (Sherman) Buckley, Adele Briggs, Adam Wien, Lyn-Le (Drew) Buus; grandchildren, Ashley Winchel, Mackenzie Winchel, Alex (Corrina) Winchel, Michael (Hannah) Gunn, Lucas Buckley, Mason Buckley, Gabrielle (Mitchell) Kakuske, Lexi (Lexi) Briggs, Kohl Cherry; great-grandchildren, Jordan, Andre, Ky’leigh, Jayson, Xavyer, Elijah, Aliyah, Isaiah, Amayah, Isla; sister, Janet Giffey; step-sister Nancy (Richard) Flanagan; mother-in-law, Irene Kleinsmith; brother-in-law Mark Kleinsmith; a niece and a nephew, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Leo Wien, mother Anita Wien, step-mother Mina Wien, father-in-law Robert Kleinsmith, brother-in-law Neil Giffey, step-siblings Vernon Kutz, Janette Lewis, Joyce Rogge and Joan Kutz.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at ST. WILLIAM CATHOLIC CHURCH. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, March 25th at HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME, 1010 N. Wright Road, Janesville with a prayer service at 7 p.m. There will also be visitation at the church on Tuesday March 26th from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Military rites will be conducted by Kienow-Hilt V.F.W. Post # 1621 following the services at the church.

The Wien family is being assisted by HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME. Online condolences may be sent to www.henkeclarson.com.