Thomas J. Scharpf

Tom Scharpf, age 68, a beloved husband, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend, passed away on July 13th, 2024, with his devoted wife, Debra, by his side. Tom was born on February 5th, 1956, to Ray and Ruth Scharpf. On November 9th, 1985 Tom married Debra Gruse and they became inseparable. Tom’s life was marked by his dedication to family and his entrepreneurial spirit.

Tom graduated from Oshkosh North High School in 1974. Two years later, he began his career in the family business, Scharpf’s Uniforms, which would become a significant part of his life. In 1978, he moved to Madison to manage the family’s branch there, returning to Oshkosh in 1985 to help expand the business alongside his parents and his brother and sister-in-law Steve and Judy. When Ray and Ruth retired, Tom and Steve purchased the company. In 1993, the brothers divided the business, with Tom and Deb owning Scharpf’s Identity Apparel, which they eventually sold to the Cintas Corp. After the sale of the company to Cintas, Tom and Deb, while in their forties, were very fortunate to have been able to take off several years from working to enjoy life with family and each other. Spending this time together was very important to Tom and Deb and they often spoke of the good times and inseparable bond they created during this time.

In 2006 Tom started Thomas James Real Estate with Deb. Tom enjoyed this new business chapter in his life and working with his new commercial clients. Tom and Deb’s first project in real estate was developing the HWY 44 Business Place. This was Tom’s favorite project and he enjoyed the new business relationships he developed from this project. He often spoke of the wonderful tenants he had, and what a privilege it was to work with them. Tom was active in this business until his illness.

Tom enjoyed snowmobiling, bowling, tennis, golfing, cards, especially sheepshead, cribbage, traveling, and going to the casino with Deb. And in the summer, he enjoyed sitting by the pool with a Pina Colada and listening to music. Most of all he enjoyed family get togethers.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Ruth Scharpf. His father-in-law Ted Gruse and mother-in-law Reggie Gruse and nephew Sean Gruse.

Tom is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law Steve (Judy) Scharpf, Mike (Sara) Scharpf, and Ben (Melissa) Scharpf. Nephews and nieces Aaron (Katie) Scharpf, Andrea (Andy) Dahl, God Child, Eric (Jeana) Scharpf, Emily Scharpf (Chris), Mary (Nick) Atkin, 5 great nephews and 3 great nieces. In addition, he is survived by his Aunt Shirley (Keith) Ellenberger and many cousins. Also, Sandy Wahamaki who helped take great care of all the Scharpf boys as they grew up.

Tom is also survived by his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Larry (Julie) Gruse, Ron Gruse, Jenny Gruse, Kim Gruse, and Shelly (Rick) Peppler. Nephews and nieces, Matthew Leitz, Megan Leitz, Derek (Jenny) Peppler, Erika Peppler (Jeff) and God Child, Kayla (Peter) Grahl. Also 5 great nephews, 12 great nieces and 2 great great nephews and 1 great great niece.

We would like to thank CarePatrol, Cornerstone Caregivers and their compassionate team who helped Tom and his family through this difficult time. ThedaCare Hospice who helped guide us through this journey. St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church and Father Quinn, Konrad-Behlman Funeral Homes, Lakeview Memorial Park, and Oshkosh Trophy.

A special thank you to Tom and Deb’s families for all their love and support during this difficult time.

Per Tom’s wishes the family will have a private service at St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church. A memorial has been established for St. Raphael’s Catholic Church or a charity of your choice.

Tom’s legacy of love, dedication, and passion for life will be cherished by his family and all who knew him.