Thomas R. Trudell, 60, of Shawano, lost his long battle to cancer and passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on May 14, 2018. He was born on July 6, 1957, in Appleton, son of Raymond and Patsy (Knutson) Trudell.
Tom lived a full life and had many passions that he shared with his family and friends. Beginning at the age of 14, Tom raced dirt tracks including Shawano Speedway and Chilton Speedway as well as asphalt tracks including WIR, 141 Speedway and Slinger. He shared this passion of racing with all of his children. For more than 30 years, Tom was a small town body man that had a love for cars and repairs. Although he loved racing and being a body man, he found his true calling with Baytek Games in Pulaski, working as a service tech for 16 years where he was able to share his knowledge and passion with his customers. Tom was dedicated to providing the best service both on the phones and on the road. His customers came to rely on his dedication and love for his job. His hobbies included spending time outdoors with his family doing activities that include camping, fishing, boating, four-wheeling and snowmobiling.
Thomas is survived by his significant other, Carol Reitz, of 30 years; his parents, Raymond and Patsy Trudell; his children, Jesse Williams, Stacey (Ryan) Foley, Donny Reitz, Angie (Ben) Ruehle, Tommy Trudell and Ben (Sarah) Trudell; and his grandchildren, Austin, Zack, Chase, Haley, Hunter, Ryley and Bradyn. His love for his grandchildren became evident as he waited to pass until they surrounded him. Thomas is further survived by his sisters, Julie (Ed) Kirk and Pam (Tim) Johnson, along with many other family and friends.
Tom is preceded in death by grandparents, Theodore and Helen Trudell and Clarence and Gertrude Knutson, as well as brother Kevin Trudell.
A special thank you to Fox Valley Hematology and Oncology for the years of compassion, care and expertise including the staff, nurses and Dr. Yao.
A celebration of life will be held at one of Tom’s favorite places to be, Annie’s Campground, W12505 Roosevelt Road, Gresham, on Saturday, May 19, 2018. Family and friends are invited to gather directly at the campground from 2-6 p.m. Burial will take place at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.