Thomas Alan Tetting, of the Town of Wescott, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, May 9, 2026, after fighting a tough battle with a form of pulmonary fibrosis known as interstitial lung disease.
Tom was born Aug. 1, 1951, and raised in Pewaukee by the late Kenneth and Dorothy (Moll) Tetting.
Tom dedicated his life to public service and education. He began his career as a police cadet and correctional officer, working his way through the ranks to become police chief in the Waukesha County area. He later served as municipal judge for the village of Pewaukee for many terms. In addition to his distinguished law enforcement and judicial career, Tom was a criminal justice and law enforcement instructor at Waukesha County Technical College for approximately 25 years until his retirement.
Tom earned his bachelor’s degree from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and his master’s degree from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He was also a proud graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, an achievement that reflected his lifelong commitment to professional excellence and serving those around him.
In August 1996, he was united in marriage to Barbara (Smith) Tetting, and together they celebrated nearly 30 happy years of marriage. They were blessed with two sons, Caden Tom and Tristan Alan Tetting. The family later relocated to Shawano Lake, where they spent countless hours fishing, boating, and simply enjoying life together.
In his free time, Tom enjoyed his hobby farm north of Shawano, where he spent many hours cutting wood and riding his beloved tractors. He also loved bike riding, traveling to Florida each summer with his family, and was an avid reader.
His absolute greatest joy in life was spending time with his two sons.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Barbara (Smith) Tetting; his two sons, Caden Thomas Tetting and Tristan Alan Tetting, all of Shawano; his sister, Marge (Jim) Gozdowiak of Mukwonago; his brother, Keith (Nancy) Tetting of Mukwonago; his father-in-law, Walter Smith; brother-in-law, DuWayne Smith; and nieces and nephews, Robert Smith, Tiffany Smith, Thomas Tetting, Tracy Tetting and Travis Tetting, and their families.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Dorothy Tetting; his mother-in-law, Consuelo Smith; and his brother-in-law, Walter Smith.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Shawano Ambulance Service, as well as all of their family and friends, for their love and support.
A funeral service will be held at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Parish, Cecil, on Saturday, May 23 at 1 p.m. The Rev. Kevin Ripley will officiate. Visitation will be Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Private burial services will follow.
Schmidt and Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg, is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
