Service Details
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Tom’s life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday, June 16, 2025 at 11:30AM with Pastor Sue Barham officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Monday from 10:00AM until the time of service.
For those wishing to watch via livestreaming, you may click on this link at 11:30 am https://youtube.com/live/Wn8YiCsKP_w?feature=share
Due to music licensing laws, you may experience moments of silence when recorded music is played.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to any of the following: Alzheimer’s Association, North Pointe United Methodist Church, or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Racine.
Tom Ford, age 75, passed away, surrounded by his loving family, at Harvest Home, Mount Pleasant on Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
Tom was born in Racine to Thomas and Evelyn (nee: Nygren) Ford, Sr. on August 13, 1949. After receiving his bachelor’s and master’s Degrees, he spent many years as a student advisor in higher education, the last 25 years of his career at Marquette University in Milwaukee, where he was also Assistant Director of Athletics. On June 14, 1986, Tom was united in marriage with Susan Anderson. Among his interests, Tom was an avid golfer, softball player and bowler; a lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers; enjoyed coaching his son and daughter in baseball, basketball and soccer; worked with Susan at many of the U. S. Open Golf Championships over the years; was a board member of Thoughts for Food; was a Mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters Racine; he had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh.
Surviving are his wife, Susan; children, Jesse Ford and Casey Ford (Brody Carroll); sisters and brothers-in-law, Karen Pieorazio, Paula Ford, Janet Ford, Marsha (Tim) Hoerres, Alison Ford (Randy Haas), and Jim Rittgers; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jeff (Chris) Ford and Gary (Dana) Ford; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Evelyn; and sister, Margie Ford Rittgers; and brother-in-law, Ralph Pieorazio.
Kressie and Rich Strohmeier says
Gary, Dana, and the Ford family – I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. May you find some comfort knowing he is not suffering and is at peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Patti & Paul says
Tom was a poet and his poems to Susan expressed their deep love and affection. Now that he has moved onto eternal life, I pray that those poems will carry her forward until they meet once again for the last time. My deepest condolences to Jesse, Casey, and the big Ford family. God bless you all with joy, love, and peace as you endure such a profound loss. Big hugs, much love!💕
Kurt Squire says
Tom was the brother I never had. Early on in our friendship, Tom provided guidance and care when I was in need. It was a friendship that never wavered throughout the decades.
He had an incredible level of integrity.
I was lucky to share with Tom many memorable times, filled with love and an exorbitant amount of laughter l.
My heart goes out to his wonderful family
Ursula York says
Thank you, Tom, for your guidance during my college days at UW-Parkside.
Marcus West says
Many Blessings to the Ford Family. My sincere condolences goes out to your family. You all are family to me. I owe Tom a large deal of gratitude. He was the sole reason I was able to transfer to Marquette. A great man! He will be missed.
Marcus West
Michael Boldus says
I knew Tom through his work on the Thoughts for Food benefit committee. He was a dedicated and creative member of the group who helped raise money to provide food for people in need here in Racine County. He was instrumental in expanding the benefit’s marketing efforts that resulted in greater exposure within the business community. His happy, positive attitude will be missed by not only the committee but those that knew him. May God bless him and his family.
Abel Joseph says
Sorry to hear the new. Tom was a big part of my college education for a guy coming from the French part of Canada. He help me structure my study and work. I’m grateful for all he did. RIP
Troy Kumprey ‘95 says
Tom was more than an academic advisor to me when I was a student athlete from ‘91-‘95. He was my friend. Being a freshman at 24 years old had its challenges, and Tom was with me every step of the way. He pushed me academically, helped keep me in school, and was influential and supportive of decisions made. He sat me down when I made mistakes and praised me on my accomplishments. He always went above and beyond. He cared. He will be missed.
Cora Quinn says
Tom was an absolute gentleman, a consummate professional and a great guy. His dedication to the student athletes at Marquette was surpassed by no one.
May he rest in peace 🙏
Yolanda Taylor says
Please accept my deepest condolences. My heart goes out to the entire family. I hope you all are able to find comfort in the love that surrounds you and the memories you hold dear. Wishing you peace, comfort and strength in the days ahead.
Chas Mulcahy, Mu 1959 & 1962 says
Tom Ford, throughout his career, was always the concerned, dedicated, talented and selfless medical and academic advisor to our Marquette student athletes. Tom was always there to provide support whenever and wherever needed. Nothing was too small for Tom to be there always positive and constructive. Tom devoted his life to serving others. May he rest in peace.
Damon Key says
I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Tom Ford, who was not only my academic adviser at Marquette University but also a steady source of guidance and support throughout my time there and beyond. He helped shape my academic path with patience and insight, and I always felt I could talk to him—whether about classes, life decisions, or anything in between. Even after I graduated, we stayed in touch, and he continued to be a thoughtful, generous resource. His impact on me and so many others is lasting, and I’ll always be grateful for his presence in my life.
Karen Desotelle says
I’m so terribly sad and sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. We worked together for many years and he always was an ally and advocate for the student side of Marquette’s student athletes. He approached his work with students as vocation, demonstrating passion, compassion, and commitment. Additionally, Tom was a fearless and clear sighted professional who fought tooth and nail for student resources and, when permitted to hire staff, was a strong role model and mentor for his staff. Knowing the long hours Tom worked, I truly hope his family knows the good he did, especially for struggling, sometimes underprepared athletes. His work made a real difference in those lives. Rest in peace Tom.
Gina (Hohensee) Fischer , Roosevelt Elementary says
Dearest Sue and kids – Sending love and prayers during this difficult time. All of us neighborhood kids will never forget Tom, or the light that he was.
Nancy Schuessler says
Dearest Sue, Cassie and Jesse,
I am so sorry for the difficult loss of your husband and dad. Our family truly understands the magnitude of your emptiness. We are really thinking of all of you. ((Arms Around))
Jack Lo Presti -- Track and Field, MU 93' says
Tom was the hero of Marquette Athletics for so many years. Tom helped student athletes navigate the life of a Division I athlete — completing school work on the road, getting the necessary tutoring supports and even helping athletes like myself get the necessary help I needed when struggling with anxiety and the pressures of school/competing. I wouldn’t have been the athlete I was at MU nor the student without the support of Tom Ford. Tom was a phenomenal man — he will be missed.