Caledonia – Thomas W. Firchow, 68, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2015. He was born in Kenosha on November 24, 1946, son of the late William Roy Jr. and Dorothea (nee: Sinclair) Firchow. Tom was a 1964 graduate of Mary D. Bradford High School. On December 27, 1969 he was married in St. Casimir Catholic Church to Joyce Petersen.
Tom was in the US Army from 1966-1969. He deployed to Viet Nam and served in the American Forces Viet Nam Network. His experience working with AFVN was a catalyst for his career in television. He graduated from MATC and worked for Milwaukee Public Television as an engineer for over 30 years. Tom was nominated for two Emmy awards and was especially proud of his work on “Outdoor Wisconsin” and “Tracks Ahead.” He had a gift for electronic gadgetry, and often was called upon by family and friends to solve their own audio/visual equipment problems. He was always willing to help others, no matter what the problem was. Tom was a kind and gentle man whose amiable nature was easy to like. He will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his children: Kevin (Sarah) Firchow of Madison, and Steven Firchow of Plymouth, Minnesota; grandchildren: Benjamin and Emily Firchow; brother: James (Myla) Firchow of Kenosha. Tom is also survived by brothers-in-law Ron (Sherry) Petersen of Cary, North Carolina and Dan (Rhonda) Petersen of Mountain Home, Arkansas and his nieces and nephews: Joel (Anja) Firchow, Chad Petersen, Shelly Petersen, Anna Petersen, and Emily Petersen; as well as other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his dear wife Joyce in 2008.
All are invited to visit with the family at Draeger Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday, May 4, 2015 from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm, immediately followed by his funeral service presided by Rev. Tim Berlew. Entombment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Caledonia at 10:00 am on Tuesday, May 5, 2015. Please consider donations in Tom’s memory to Milwaukee Public Television MPTV.
David Baule says
I am privileged to have known and worked with Tom for his entire tenure at MPTV. He was a great travel companion on all shoots, including a VERY cold foray into the UP for a skiing remote. And who can forget the “Toad Control.” He was kind, fun to be around, and a real “go to” guy to get things accomplished in engineering. His smiling face and pleasant demeanor made each day a bit brighter. I will also remember him for his ability to make outrageous puns, which would keep the entire intercom abuzz with laughter. I’ll remember him with great fondness.
Lynn Cutrell says
Tom was the husband of my best friend. He was a gentle,kind,and caring man. He made Joyce happy and that was important to me. I am sorry I will not be able to attend the service on Monday or Tuesday, but my prayers are with you Kevin and Steven.
Rex Nielson says
Rex Nielson says
I always enjoyed working with Tom.
Scott Johnson says
My thoughts are with Tom’s family; I was also privileged to work with Tom for many years at MPTV. He was a kind, gracious, and very entertaining colleague! I was new to TV in 1979, and Tom was always willing to help me learn. I have missed his gentle presence here at MPTV, and will continue to do so.