Thomas S. Gricius

Thomas Sylvester Gricius, 82, of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on July 16, 2025.  Thomas was born on November 9, 1942, in Melrose Park, Illinois, son of Veronica and John Gricius.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, Richard Schikora; brother, Dennis Gricius; brothers-in-law, Gerald Sinclair and Gary Key; and sister-in-law, Janice Nattila.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah (née Kastenmeier); their four children, Carol McClure of Winfield, IL, Thomas St. John of Charlotte, NC, Jason Gricius (Kelly) of Oconomowoc, WI, and Courtney Hollis (Jay) of Mt. Pleasant, SC; 10 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; brother, Leonard Gricius (Pam) of Alpharetta, GA; and sister, Diane Sinclair of Montgomery, MN.

He spent the majority of his early career in the retail sector. Later in life, he worked in import and export, starting his own business, which took him around the world fueling a deep appreciation for travel and global cultures. He found joy in golfing, fishing, bowling, and cheering on all his children and grandchildren in their various activities. He especially cherished the time spent playing cards and bags with family and friends. A lover of music and a gifted storyteller, Thomas had a remarkable ability to captivate those around him. His quick wit and warm sense of humor will be fondly remembered. Thomas was a lifelong Chicago Bears fan – a tough thing to be in Packers’ country.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, August 2 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church, 511 S. Spring St., Beaver Dam, WI 53916. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at the church at 11 a.m. with Fr. Thomas Naidu officiating. Inurnment will follow at St. Peter Cemetery in Beaver Dam.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pregnancy Support Center of Dodge County, Inc.