Thomas McMasters

Thomas I. McMasters, Age 80 of Sun City, AZ, (formerly of Berlin, Wi) passed away peacefully at his home on October 13, 2021. Tom was born May 14, 1941 in Johnstown, PA, the son of Thomas and Elenora (Dowen) McMasters. Tom was proud of his Irish heritage. Tom graduated from South Division High School, Milwaukee, WI in 1959 and also Milwaukee Institute of Technology, majoring in business. At college is where Tom met the love of his life, Antoinette (Toni Popielarski). They married August 24, 1963 in Milwaukee. Tom attended sign language school in Milwaukee and was able to utilize his skills, teaching sign language. Tom and Toni were blessed with two children. Son, Patrick in 1964, and a daughter Kelly in 1967. Throughout Tom’s lifetime, he directed Berlin High School plays, established Mascoutin Players, and was a crazy character in many. He performed the play, the “Bickersons” with friend Karen Schweigert, who played his second wife in the skit. In addition, Tom was a member of the Berlin Jaycees and assisted with many fundraisers. Tom shared in different adventures with his closest friend, Leonard Quinn, developing the cream puff wagon and chaperoned Leonard at the Lions Conventions with the Leader Dog Program. During Tom’s career, he was Director of Mt. Morris Mutual Insurance Co., and Kretzmann Insurance Agency. For years, Tom, his brother Don and son Patrick, shared in the role as St. Patrick at the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade held in Phoenix, AZ, dressed in proper Irish attire. Special thank you to the following people for being a part of Tom’s Life: Esther & Tony Lopez, Diana Lopez Parker, Sandy & Bob Krueger, Kay & Leonard Quinn, Karen & Rob Wendt, Patti & Lynn Anderson, Vicki & Bill Phillippi, (co-workers in crime), Joann & John Werner, Carol & David Wesolowski, Bill & Sue Caraway, (AZ); Judy & Rodger Herson, Carol & Jerry Downs (Carol was Tom’s secretary for 25 years at Kretzmann Agency), Tom’s fraternity brothers from Alpha Nu Beta, Sheila & Leonard Thomason, Sharon Pace, Kathy Carapellse, Linda & Jerry Van Duren, Lulu and John Caudill, Mary K. & Joel Rogers, Sue & Frank Dolinar, and the Ventana Lakes & Sun City bingo friends. Survivors include: his wife of 58 years, Toni, son Patrick of Chandler, AZ & daughter Kelly (Andy) Herson of Green Bay, WI. Grandchildren: Matthew Bero, (Chicago, Ill), Megan Bero (Green Bay, WI), Kellie Marie Herson (Madison, WI) & Zach Herson (Wilkes-Barre, PA), a brother, Don (Barbara) McMasters, (Lakeside, AZ) & nephew, Ryan McMasters (Phoenix, AZ), Aunt Alyce Radtke (AZ), Kathy Trad, (AZ), Kathy & Dick Rose, (MO), many cousins, & other relatives still in Pennsylvania & friends. Tom is preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Elenora McMasters, grandparents Henry and Mary Alice Dowen, Uncle Jim Radtke, and close friend, Leonard Quinn. A memorial service will be held noon on October 30, 2021 at Menke Funeral Home, 12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351.