Thomas H. “Tom” Pringle, 92, of Burlington passed away Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Oak Park Place in Burlington. Tom was born on Feb. 12, 1932, to John and Lillian (nee Markert) Pringle in West Allis. On Feb. 28, 1988, he was united in marriage to Linda (nee Novak) Hickethier in St. Louis, Missouri.
Tom spent his early life in West Allis where he graduated from West Allis Central High School. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee earning a degree in Education and later completed his Master’s degree in Education Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Tom moved to Burlington in 1962 and first began teaching at the Honey Creek School in Honey Creek, before teaching 8th grade at Burlington Junior High School until his retirement. As an educator he had an impact on many lives.
Besides Tom’s life as a teacher, he officiated football, basketball, and baseball in the Burlington area and surrounding communities. He spent many hours, all of which he enjoyed immensely, scheduling officials and officiating for St. Mary’s High School in Burlington. He coached track and field for Burlington Junior High, Burlington High School, and Catholic Central High School. During many summers, Tom operated the weed cutter on Brown’s Lake while Ross Marshall ran the weed barge. Tom also served as a City of Burlington alderman, on the Burlington Police and Fire Commission, and later, as a Racine County Supervisor. While serving in his roles as alderman and county supervisor, he served on numerous committees always trying to improve the lives of Burlington and Racine County residents.
Tom was passionate about helping the youth of Burlington through teaching, coaching, officiating, teaching Catechism, and serving as an usher, and singing in the choir at St. Charles. He also served on several boards that provided recreational activities to area teens. Tom was the definition of a servant leader. He cared about people young and old and did his best to provide opportunities to others while encouraging and educating young people. Tom worked hard to provide for his family, friends, and community.
Tom enjoyed a good conversation, whether in the grocery store, at church, at a local coffee shop, on a Saturday morning with Tom Spiegelhoff in the meat department, or at the many community events he attended. The events and people Tom engaged with are far too many to list, but he enjoyed each and every conversation he had and the lives he touched. He took pleasure in joking and laughing with family, friends, and the people he came in contact with. He was always ready with a humorous story or a witty remark.
Social activities, political events, and family gatherings were some of Tom’s favorite events to attend. Tom and Linda had many fond memories of their travels throughout the United States and Europe. Family gatherings and holiday celebrations were embraced without reservation. He had a special affection for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and attended many of their activities and events. Tom also enjoyed watching Packers, Brewers, and Badgers games with Linda.
The family sincerely thanks all involved with Tom’s treatment and care, including those at Oak Park Place and St Croix Hospice.
Tom was preceded in death by Linda his loving wife of 29 years, his parents, daughters Susan and Judy, son Robert, brother Jack Pringle, sister-in-law Francis Pringle, sister Helen Kendellen, brother-in-law Bob Kendellen, and. son-in-law Ronald Heitkemper. He is survived by his children, Nancy (Doug) Faulkner, Patricia Heitkemper, and Michael Pringle; stepchildren, Ruth (Mark) Schenning, David (Mary) Hickethier, Sara Hickethier, and John (Kim) Hickethier; Cousin Reverand Pat Burns, S.J. of Milwaukee; brother-in-law Paul (Denise) Novak; ten grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday June 15, 2024, at St. Charles Catholic Church in Burlington. Burial will follow in St. Charles Parish Cemetery. Relatives and friends may visit with the family from 4 until 7 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2024, at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home.
“God Bless Everyone” from Tom.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to a charity of your choice in Tom’s name.
Well-wishers may visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.
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