Thomas Emmett Casey

Dr. Thomas E. Casey, DDS, age 87, a resident of Racine, WI, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2023 at St. Patrick's Residence, Naperville, IL. He was born on December 20, 1935 in Milwaukee, WI. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Barbara (nee Szelmeczka) Casey; his children, Jeanne (Warren A.) Clohisy of Arlington Heights, IL, James Casey of Racine, WI, and Kathleen (Tim) Murphy of Naperville, IL; his grandchildren, Warren T. Clohisy and Salena Clohisy; and his sister, Kathleen Drumm. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Marie Casey; and his sister, Mary Phipps. Tom was born in Milwaukee WI and grew up in Bay View, Milwaukee. Tom spent many happy days in his youth duck hunting with his father at the family's rustic cabin on Lake Puckaway. He was a dear older brother to Kathleen and Mary, his younger sisters. They adored him for his unconditional love and support throughout their life and especially when they needed a father figure after their father passed away. While attending Don Bosco High School and working at the A&P, Tom lovingly helped his mother Marie and kept her on her toes with his headstrong but lovable determination. He married his college sweetheart Barbara in 1959 after meeting her at their first freshman dance, not expecting to fall head over heels in love. Tom graduated from Marquette School of Dentistry in 1959, following in his father's footsteps as a dentist and proud Marquette graduate, making life long friends along the way. After their wedding in June 1959, they headed for San Diego CA where Tom proudly served as a dentist and lieutenant in the US Navy for 2 years. It was a grand adventure and they loved exploring the sunny southern California coast. He established a dental practice in Racine WI where Tom and Barbara raised their family. Barbara spent many hours helping Tom as his office manager, getting to know so many of their patients over 48 years. Tom enjoyed spending summers with Barbara and his children, camping, boating and waterskiing on lakes all over Wisconsin and Lake of the Ozark's. He loved nothing more than grabbing his map and setting out on another road trip with Barbara. Tom also had a life long love of woodworking, spending many hours in his workshop, crafting beautiful cabinets for their home. After Tom and Barbara retired in 2007, they spent time boating, exploring photography together and spending time with their children and grandchildren in the Northwoods of Wisconsin and annual trips to Florida. Tom was devoted to Barbara, his children and grandchildren. He lived his life with so much generosity, love and a wonderful sense of humor. For those who would like to leave a lasting tribute to Tom's life, memorial donations may be made directly to St. Patrick's Residence, 1400 Brookdale Rd., Naperville, IL 60543 www.stpatricksresidence.org Visitation will be Wednesday, December 20, 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 21, 10:30 AM at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 1215 Modaff Rd,. Naperville. All will meet for the committal services at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL. For information please call 630/355-0213 or visit www.friedrich-jones.com