Thomas Allen Hauke

Thomas Allen Hauke

May 4, 1938

God brought Thomas A. Hauke home on May 1, 2023. He was born May 4, 1938.

Tom is reunited with his beloved wife of 53 years, Susan. He is survived by his sons Michael and Matthew, and his granddaughter, Jaeda, who all gave him great happiness. Tom was a wonderful father who would do anything and everything for his boys. Mike gave us our lovely granddaughter, Jaeda, and continues to work in the areas of motorcycles and power systems. After a career in the U.S. Air Force, Matt retired as Major and went on to become an airline pilot. Tom is also survived by nieces and nephews and many friends.

Tom graduated from Pulaski High School in 1956. He received a degree in Electrical Engineering from Marquette University in 1960 and worked for Allis Chalmers for four years. He returned to Marquette University and graduated in 1967 with a J.D. degree. He then received his M.S. in Engineering Management from MSOE in 1969.

His brother Jerry and sister, Mary Ann are both deceased.

Tom served in the Wisconsin Legislature as State Representative from 1972 to 1992 and served as Majority Leader for four years,

As a member of the Legislature, Tom fought against excessive partisanship that dominated legislative deliberations during his tenure. As both a “back-bencher” and majority leader, Tom never lost sight of his commitment to serve his constituents and to solve problems. He was a strong advocate in the majority party for programs and policies that helped create jobs. Tom always listened to concerns expressed by fellow business people about high taxes and spending and worked to reduce both, and he never lost sight of representing his constituents who were hard working men and women. As a State Representative, Tom stayed true to his commitment to serve his constituents and to solve problems. As Majority Leader, Tom passed state budgets on strong bipartisan votes. He loved every single minute of his legislative career and believed in the importance of citizen-legislatures working together to right some of society’s wrongs. He strongly felt that those legislators who think about their next election or election to higher office make ineffective leaders. Tom worked from the “good government is the best politics” school and counts his efforts for bipartisan legislative accomplishments as his proudest achievements. Tom had the gift to wind bills presented to the Assembly around “stories,” that never failed to make his fellow legislators laugh. Tom always had the kind of sense of humor that his friends and family enjoyed for so many years. He also had a big heart and was always available if someone needed his help, no matter how big or small.

Tom’s home on Lake Beulah brought joy to him since 1975, and he happily spent the last years of his life there with Susan and his adored Golden Retrievers. Most important of all Tom loved his family, he loved the people of the State of Wisconsin, and he will be deeply missed.

“Remember, the best part of a good man stays. It stays forever.”

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 5, 2023 at the Max Sass Funeral Home Mission Hills Chapel from 11 AM until time of service at 1 PM. Burial to follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.