Thomas Tate

Thomas Alton Tate, passed away February 18, 2026 at the age of 91. Tom was an intelligent, humble, kind, honest and fun-loving man to all who knew him. His students, family and friends. Tom passed away at Arborview Court in Wisconsin Rapids, where he moved after living with his daughter for a year while his wife, Ardell, underwent cancer treatments in Florida. He and Ardelle had previously lived in Hancock and Fort Myers, Florida.

Tom was born to Stanley (Bill) and Mary Tate December 17, 1934 in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. He graduated from Lincoln High School in Wisconsin Rapids and the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. There he was a member of his beloved Sia Sefi group, a rather rowdy group of guys that have gone down in history at the UW, gaining the nickname Tiger Tate. It was here during his shenanigans, he met Ardelle Sobczak, who later became his wife on August 17, 1957.

After graduating, they moved to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan where Tom taught school. They then moved to Madison, with Tom teaching History and Geography at Monona. While there, he attended the University of Madison, getting a Masters in Guidance Counseling and a Masters in Administration.

They then moved to Sun Prairie, where Tom became a Guidance Counselor, eventually becoming the Guidance Director of the whole District. Tom was dearly loved by the teachers and students who depended upon him to resolve many conflicts fairly and just, which he did every time!

In 1952 Tom's dad (Bill), and Tom started Tate's Trees in Wisconsin Rapids. They opened their first Tree Lot in Monona in 1960. This business grew in the Madison and Sun Prairie areas to 10 lots and the largest choose and cut in the state in Sun Prairie. His son, Bill, purchased and took over the business in 1998. Even after retirement, many people stopped at the lots asking for Tiger or Tom Tate. His daughter started making wreaths in Wisconsin Rapids, which the company sold all over the United States, including the UW Forestry Department for many years.

Tom was chosen as the First Executive Director of the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Association, an office he held for 8 years. He then published 2 newsletters per year, and conducted two yearly membership meetings.

The family, with many friends and family, camped outside of Hancock, Wisconsin during the summers, as parents and teachers and had summers off. They bought a rustic cottage in 1973 on the same lake (Fish Lake). They tore it down in the early 80’s and built a house, where Tom loved to landscape, garden, and cook for anyone who stopped by. What a Chef he was!

Weekends the kids had the ski boat full of gas, skis on, key in the starter, ready to go at 10:00-4:00 with extra cans of gas on the dock.

Tom and Ardelle were teachers, so they traveled the United States, only missing 3 or 4 states. They also traveled to Canada, Mexico any times, and to El Salvador.
Tom was a Packer, Brewer and Badger fan. His Badger highlight was getting invited on the field at Camp Randall and introduced as one of the longest-held Badger Football Season Ticket Holders.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife Ardelle Nancy Sobczak; his parents, Stanley (Bill) and Mary Tate; his daughter and husband, Mary Beth and Jimmy Romero; and sister and brother-in-law: Sue and Russ Lamb; and in-laws: Helen Milanowski, Lucille Singer, Lorainne Hicken, Margaret (Marge) Grubba, Stanley Sobczak, and Henrietta (Etta) Anderson.

Survivors include his children: Kathryn Suzanne, William (Bill) Alton (Lindsay) Tate; grandchildren: Brenin Alton, Jace William and Keira Tate; and great-granddaughter Hayden.

We also thank everyone at Arborview Court and Hospice.

Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to assist the family.