Mineral Point - Thomas William Schaaf, age 79, of Mineral Point, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 surrounded by his loving family at the family farm, after a courageous battle with diabetes and kidney disease.

Tom was born on March 23, 1947, in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, to Francis and Annabelle (Hottenstein) Schaaf. He attended Oak Park Country Grade School for eight years and graduated from Mineral Point High School in 1965.

Following high school, Tom proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in October 1965. He served honorably as a Lance Corporal and was discharged in September 1967. His time in the Marines remained one of the defining experiences of his life, and his service to the country was a source of great pride throughout his life. He continued to honor that service through his participation in the Mineral Point drill team.

After returning home, Tom began working for Wisconsin Power and Light in Mineral Point. On September 13, 1969, he married the love of his life, Linda Kay (Wissing) of Belmont, Wisconsin, in Platteville. Together, Tom and Linda built a life on the family farm, where they raised their three sons, Terry, Robert, and Jeremy.

Tom’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was his family. He treasured the life he and Linda built together and took immense pride in his sons and the families they created. He especially cherished his role as a grandfather and loved watching his grandchildren grow, celebrating their accomplishments, and simply spending time together.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Linda; his three sons, Terry (Tara) Schaaf, Robert “Bob” (Kim) Schaaf, and Jeremy (Heidi) Schaaf; and his grandchildren, Terry Jr, (Jamie) Alison (Jeremy) Boun, Ben, Kaylee, Grace and Celeste Schaaf and Samantha and Anna Burse. He is also survived by his brother, Larry (Linda) Schaaf, his sister, Judy Lieder, brother-in-law Larry (Dee) Wissing and sister-in-law Peggy (Gary) Kieler and many nieces and nephews and friends who were fortunate to know and love him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Annabelle Schaaf, his brother, Jerry Schaaf and his in-laws, Carl and Celeste Wissing.

Tom was a lifelong supporter of the United States Marine Corps and remained an active member of the American Legion. He was also an enthusiastic Green Bay Packers fan who rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his beloved team. Farming was more than Tom’s livelihood: it was a way of life. He felt a deep connection to the land he spent a lifetime tending, finding purpose in the work and changing seasons, and the simple satisfactions of a day spent on the farm. Few places made him happier than the seat of his John Deere tractor.

Tom will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his devotion to his family, his pride in serving his country, and the kindness and generosity he shared with others throughout his life. More than anything, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather whose family was always at the center of his life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026 at 12:00 PM at Ss. MARY & PAUL CATHOLIC CHURCH in Mineral Point.  Fr Tafadzwa Kushamba will officiate.  A Visitation will be held on Friday from 9:00 until 11:50 AM at the church.  Military Graveside rights will be accorded by the Mineral Point American Legion Post 170 at St. Paul's Cemetery.