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Thomas Ebert
1944- 2016
Thomas “Tom” G. Ebert, 72, of Watertown, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016, at Rainbow Hospice Inpatient Center in Johnson Creek, surrounded by his loving family. He battled Parkinson’s disease for five years.
Thomas George Ebert was born on May 8, 1944, in Watertown, to Raymond F. and Genevieve (Metzger) Ebert. He lived in Watertown his entire life and was a member of St. Henry Catholic Church. He attended Watertown High School, graduating in 1963.
Upon graduation, he worked at Schweiger Industries where he met his wife, Beverly Hafenstein. They were married on June 5, 1965, at St. Henry Catholic Church. After working at Paul Kohloff’s Station, he decided to own his own business, known at Tom’s Union 76. After leaving the business, he worked for Watertown Dodge for several years. He went to work for River Valley/United Cooperative as a petroleum manager for 10 years until the company closed the Watertown plant. Then he went to work for Redigas from 2002 until his retirement in May 2008.
During his working career, Tom attended WCTC and received his police science degree. He was also working with the Watertown Police Reserve as a sergeant for several years. This position took him to work part-time for several villages in the Dodge County area. From here he went to work for the township of Watertown as their police chief for 13 years, at which time they dissolved the department.
After retirement, Tom volunteered at the Watertown Regional Medical Center in the medical building, helping patients with directions.
Tom was very much a people person in all the jobs he had. He could talk to anyone, whether he knew them or not, and carry on a conversation. He was always willing to help whomever or wherever. Tom enjoyed bowling and golfing. He especially liked going to their timeshare in Kissimmee, Florida. He also enjoyed spending time with his family. We will truly miss his sense of humor. He was a past member of the Watertown Elks Club, Watertown Moose Lodge, St. Henry Usher Society and Watertown Agribusiness.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly; three children, Greg (Debbie) Ebert of Watertown, Sandi (James) Schroeder of Seymour and Holly Rockstroh of Fort Atkinson; grandchildren, Sgt. Nicholas Ebert, Matthew Ebert, Kayla Schroeder, Keegan Schroeder and Kayden Rockstroh; brother, Jerry (Mary) Ebert of Watertown; sisters-in-law, Juanita Ebert and Donna Ebert, both of Watertown; stepsister-in-law, Susan (Hafenstein) Ebert of Fort Atkinson; and brothers-in-law, Rich (Karen) Hafenstein of Johnson Creek and Daryl (Jean) Lange of Cambridge.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Patrick and Michael Ebert; sister, Raeann (Paul) Gruss; as well as father- and mother-in-law, Ervin and Angeline Lange.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday at noon at St. Henry Catholic Church in Watertown with Father Patrick Wendler officiating. Burial will take place at St. Henry Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at Hafemeister Funeral Home on Wednesday from 4-8 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials may be given to St. Henry Catholic Church or Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Rainbow Hospice for the care, kind words and compassion they gave to Tom during his short time on this Earth.
Hafemeister
Funeral Home and Cremation Service
611 E. Main St. Watertown
History of Watertown, Wisconsin