Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Thomas Metz passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on January 13, 2022, on the Metz-Wiesner family farm in Winneconne, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Sharon Metz (nee Wiesner) on June 19, 2020. Tom was the final living member of the 681 Jefferson Street Metzes of Oshkosh, which included his parents Gwen and Rudolph Metz, together with his brothers Jim Metz (Violet) and Ron Metz (Rose).
Tom is survived by sons Michael (Janet Benson) of Sun City West, AZ, Mark (Diana) of Wauwatosa, Mitchell (Rosemary) of Oconomowoc, and Matthew (Aleathea Johnson) of Minneapolis. Also by adoring grandchildren Casey (Tommasina Miller), Logan, Trevor, Emma, Fletcher, Ellie, Henry, Charlie and Alaina, precious great-grandson Robin, as well as special friends Hannah Goreta, Oliver and Ava Schlegel, and Sarah Binder.
Tom’s sense of humor remained intact until his passing. When asked how he wanted this obituary to read he quipped: "If you knew him, you knew what he did. If you didn’t know him, it’s none of your business." We could end the obituary there, but we are proud of his exemplary life so we’ll pretend we heard: "If you didn’t know him, here’s what you missed."
After graduating from Oshkosh High School, Tom served honorably in the United States Army. He was wounded in Korea in 1952, earning the Purple Heart. He finished his service in Hot Springs, Arkansas where he and his new bride, Sharon Metz, gave birth to their first of four boys.
After leaving the service, Tom earned his teaching certificate (by then a father of three) and began a career working with students in Appleton and Green Bay. He spent most of his career at Tank Elementary School in Green Bay, guiding an underserved population of students who thrived under his care. In 2012 Tom and Sharon were recognized as Educators of the Year by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
Baseball was one of Tom’s passions -- whether playing, coaching or cheering for his Philadelphia Phillies. His four children and nine grandchildren refer to him as Coach, as did the hundreds of youth for whom Tom invested his summers. He coached for more than 25 years. In addition to coaching baseball, Tom played fast-pitch softball well into his fifties.
Tom and Sharon shared a passion for social justice. In Green Bay they helped develop Co-Care, an organization dedicated to revitalizing the near West Side while providing families and children healthy community-based opportunities to grow and thrive. Later they founded HONOR (Honor Our Neighbors Origins and Rights), a Native American rights organization with the mission of supporting indigenous tribes in their quest for sovereignty, observation of treaty rights and cultural respect. Tom worked side-by-side with Sharon on HONOR matters, developing his own specialty and recognition as a trusted source of authentic and educational Native-themed literature.
Woven through this tapestry of service and vitality was the time Tom cherished with family and friends. He was a storyteller, a jokester and a lover of puns. Tom found joy in watching his children and grandchildren compete in baseball, football, swimming, tennis, track, basketball, volleyball, rugby, and wrestling. Likewise, he found pleasure in the quiet conversations with the many, many friends who would stop by the house for a chat or to receive some words of wisdom.
Shortly before he passed, Tom was told it was almost time to go and that Sharon was waiting for him. “Not if she meets Elvis first,” he said without missing a beat. Tom’s passion, wit, dedication and love will be missed by all.
A public visitation will be held at Mueller Funeral Home in Winneconne on January 29, 2022, from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm with a prayer service to follow. Due to COVID, facemasks and social distancing will apply. In lieu of flowers or memorials, the family suggests donations in Tom’s name to the Sharon and Thomas Metz Scholarship Fund at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. University of Wisconsin Green Bay (qgiv.com)
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.
Bert G. Zipperer wrote on January 29, 2022
Tom was a dear, dear FRIEND .... in capital letters!
I met him when we both worked for the DPI's American Indian Studies Program Summer Institute for teachers in the 1990's.... and what a JOY he alway was!!!
We spent a week together every summer for 15 years or so. And then we'd see each other at places like "Indian Summer" and other events throughout the year. I later stopped by the house a few times.... and got great tours of the place that he loved and cherished. I was able to share time with them at their assisted living home in the past few years..... and always, always, always our time together was special beyond words.
At the annual Summer Institutes, Tom sold high quality books on Native American history and culture, written by the great authors.... he knew these books in-depth. He could offer suggestions, critiques and recommendations ..... and the HONOR bookstore was a source of great books, as well as great wisdom, humor, love and caring during the weeklong conferences.
Tom would show up on the first day and we'd all help unload the truck..... he would lovingly set up the books.... and then he was the hub of activity for the rest of the week. He and I would discuss the issues of the day and then we'd find some incredible humor about it all -- we'd laugh and laugh and laugh some more. Loading up the truck on Friday was bittersweet .... we wished the week could go on and on.
I loved his stories..... he talked of baseball, and of going around picking up cans off the streets .... he'd talk about teaching and his love for each of his students saturated every story..... his concern and commitment for the kids lasted, I am sure, till his last breath.
I will always cherish the times we shared.... and the grace and beauty and warmth of his life partner -- Sharon. I am a better person because I had Tom in my life. I am inspired, I am enriched, and I am energized by the times with Tom. And I am intensely fortunate to have had the opportunity to share times with Tom over so many years.
I am sorry I cannot make it to Tom's visitation today..... I hope you know how much Tom was loved and adored by all of us who had him in our lives. He will live in our hearts forever.
Thank you, Tom. "Miigwitch!!!" and "Aniishik!!!"
Ruth Werth wrote on January 22, 2022
Tom had a great sense of humor. I remember at one time, he shared he wanted a hunting dog. He planned to name it Kitty. He couldn't wait to call out, "Here Kitty, Kitty" when duck hunting in his marsh. Both your parents were a joy to be with. For a couple of years, we met them at the Lenox in Chicago for Nutcracker Weekend. We drove in from Valparaiso and they down from Milwaukee so we could spend about 24 hours together: talking, laughing, watching a play and having a meal. One year, we went to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Tom was very upset when he saw a tree supposedly decorated by Native Americans: there were eagle feathers on the tree and he said, to anyone within earshot, "no way would that be the case!" There was quite a bit of sputtering along with his lecture. He also shared his idea about why there are so many orange barrels on the road: too many to store in a facility, so just pick them up and move them to a new place; not necessarily that there is construction there. Although they were old enough to be our parents, they both were ageless. So glad our paths crossed. Great memories for us and I know for you the family! Ruth and Chuck Werth
Greg Hansen wrote on January 21, 2022
What an honor to have played baseball under the leadership of this wonderful man. We don't often enough tell people like coach Metz how influential they are in our lives. Thank you coach. I'm sure you're still pacing up and down third base line giving signals.
Robbie Stevens wrote on January 19, 2022
My sympathies to a wonderful family. And to my coach, who taught me how to play and love the greatest game in the world, baseball.
Kelly McMahon Lichon wrote on January 19, 2022
He will always be remembered by me as my favorite teacher.
I'm very sad to hear of his passing. My condolences to the family.
Eric Schott wrote on January 19, 2022
My sixth grade teacher who pushed hard as he knew what i could do. One of the people who had a direct influence on my life. Years later I still remembered the simple lessons in school and life he taught. We were given a gift with Mr. Metz. Rest in peace good sir. I look forward to seeing you again one day.
Sue (Gustafson) Naniot wrote on January 18, 2022
Mark and family, once again I am sad to learn of the passing of you father. What greetings he is most likely receiving at heaven’s gate. It has been years since your family lived here in Green Bay, but I think of you every time I pass the house on Shawano Avenue. What a pleasure to read both your parents obituaries; your dad’s now and your mom’s so recently. They were so full of life! Sending prayers to help you through this time of sadness. Wishing you peace and holy joy! Sue