Thomas Edward `Tom` Clarkson
Thomas Edward `Tom` Clarkson , Age 84
Thomas Edward Clarkson, at the age of 84, entered into the presence of the Lord on March 2, 2026. Born on December 11, 1941, in Highland Park, IL. He was the cherished son of Robert and Nancy Anne (Chalmers) Clarkson.
Tom was a devoted follower of Christ. He lived a life that was full and vibrant. As a child, Tom was adored by his family and was provided with a memorable childhood. He loved to ice skate and learned to sail at a young age. He was an Eagle Scout at the age of 14 and graduated from Highland Park High School, where his love for hockey earned him a scholarship to Colorado College. He enjoyed playing and coaching hockey for many years to follow.
His early career led him to working in the hotel industry in Saint Paul, MN, southern Florida, Lake Tahoe, NV and finally to the Playboy Club in Lake Geneva, WI. In the late 1970’s Tom and his first wife, HelenAnne (Wimmer) Ellison, ventured into entrepreneurship opening the restaurant Mexicali Rose in Wisconsin Dells. Then, later operating his business beside his second wife Jenny Lynn (Sheahan) Clarkson.
Without a doubt, the pride and joy of Tom’s life was his family. Tom and his first wife, HelenAnne had two children, Thomas Chalmers Clarkson and Kelsey Ann (Clarkson) Stetzenbach. He married Jenny Lynn Sheahan in 1993 and was blessed with two stepchildren, Jodi (Spencer) Grosinske and Phillip Spencer. Tom was also a beloved brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, father-in-law, uncle, and friend to so many.
Tom's life was a testament to the spirit of adventure, whether sailing the open waters or hunting in the vast landscapes of South Dakota and Canada. He lived his life to the fullest. Inspired by their faith, Tom and his wife, Jenny Lynn, enjoyed involvement in the Christian community, participation in Bible studies, teaching Sunday school, and a mission trip abroad.
Tom leaves behind a loving family who will forever hold his memory dear. He is survived by his wife, Jenny Lynn, with whom he shared many adventures and deep love for each other. His son Tom and wife Doreen, and his daughter Kelsey and husband Don. His stepdaughter, Jodi and husband Scott, and his stepson, Phillip and wife Linda. Tom was a proud grandfather to Laurel (Clarkson) Everding, Mathew Clarkson, Bauer Stetzenbach, Grahm Stetzenbach, Liam Bakken, Finn Bakken, Ella Spencer, and Lucas Spencer. He was also blessed to have great-grandchildren, Madison, Caleb and Colton Everding and Tyler Clarkson. He was eagerly anticipating the birth of a great-granddaughter this April. Tom is also survived by his sisters, Drue (Clarkson) Syria and Michelle (Clarkson) Nerini with her husband Nick. Tom’s beloved family also includes his nieces and nephews whom he loved deeply.
A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Destination Church, 1000 11th Street in Baraboo, WI. There will be no visitation at the church. Family and friends are welcome to gather and to honor Tom’s memory, later that day, from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at Trappers Turn Golf Club, 2955 Wisconsin Dells Parkway in Wisconsin Dells, WI.
For those wishing to extend their condolences, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his memory to Destination Church.
The Clarkson family extends their heartfelt gratitude to their many dear friends who surrounded Tom and his family with love and support following his prostate cancer diagnosis in late May 2025. Their kindness and generosity have been a gift from God and a source of strength.
Thomas Edward Clarkson's life was a journey of adventure, unwavering love for his family and for His Savior Jesus. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will sail on in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him, imagine him hoisting his sails into the wind and sailing into heaven.
Condolences
Tom&Betty Hemberger March 12, 2026
Friends Baraboo , Wisconsin
Tom was a joy to be around, A very good friend
Jacqueline Bell Roberts March 12, 2026
Friend Orlando , Florida
I cherish all the wonderful times and memories that we all had together as family life experiences. God bless you eternally. Jackie
Gloria Van Zee March 12, 2026
Friend Platte , South Dakota
Heart felt sympathy to Tom’s family ! We enjoyed having him come to South Dakota to hunt but mostly enjoyed his company ! Treasure the memories !
Odile March 12, 2026
Friend Seville, Spain
You are in our thoughts and prayers. I wish I could be there with you during such difficult times. All our love to you, Héctor and Odile
Mark & Theresa Boogren March 12, 2026
Cousin Reedsburg , Wisconsin
Kelsey, Tom, Jodi & Scott and Phil & Linda and families..we are so very sorry for your loss. May happier memories comfort you during this sad time. Sending all our love..Mark & Theresa
Mark & Theresa Boogren March 12, 2026
Cousin Reedsburg , Wisconsin
Kelsey, Tom and families and Jenny Lynn, Jodi & Scott and Phil & Linda and families we are so very sorry for your loss. May happier memories comfort you during this sad time. Sending you all our love..Mark and Theresa
Steve Midgett March 12, 2026
Friend sorry Sneads Ferry , North Carolina
Sorry about Tom I only meat him a couple of times he was really a nice man.i know that you will miss him I am sure he is in heaven God bless
Bernie March 13, 2026
Friend Bradenton , Florida
Talk about adventure. Tom and I met on a website called floatplan and he taught me how to sail as we moved my boat from NC down to Florida! The adventure and great friendship began here and many, many stories to tell. So sorry, but most importantly ,rejoicing with y'all for his entrance into Heaven! Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus!
Becky Thiesfeldt March 14, 2026
Former coworker of Kelsey Menomonee Falls , Wisconsin
Dear Kelsey - I never had the pleasure of meeting your dad, but in reading his obituary - wow! What a great and full live he had! Next time I'm in the Dells I will make a stop at Mexicali Rose and do a toast in his memory. May he rest in heavenly peace. My deepest condolences to you and your family - peace.
Drue clarkson Syria March 14, 2026
Brother Antioch , Illinois
I have known Tom my whole life. Fortunate to have such a loving family. It’s been a wonderful life. Love your sister drue
Laurie Bries March 17, 2026
Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin
Dear Jenny, our deepest sympathy to you and your whole family. We share memories of both you and Tom on the local campaign trails and supporting pro life issues. I do wish we had made it up to the lake to share a sailboat ride. Rest in the peace of Christ, Tom!
Cameron Bright March 19, 2026
Friend Garrison , North Dakota
Tom was an inspiration to all that knew him. His life was rich with adventure and love. I will miss him greatly. I love Tom, and he loved me. He was an exceptional human being, and I am so glad that he is with his savior Jesus Christ.
Brad Olson March 21, 2026
Friend Assiniboia Saskatchewan
So sorry on hearing the passing of Tom. Had the chance to waterfowl hunt with him here in Southern Saskatchewan. My mother would invite him & his in for supper or lunch. Always looked forward to his visits. Brad Olson
Robert Spencer April 01, 2026
2nd cousin Baraboo , Wisconsin
So very sorry to hear about your loss. We cannot express how deeply saddened we feel to hear about the news of your loss.
Kenyata Conecin April 02, 2026
Uncle Tchula , Mississippi
During this difficult time I send my loves and prayers to the family.Uncle Tom gave me my hostess job at Mexicalli Rose I was so thankful for the love I encountered over the years.
Camilla Carraher April 02, 2026
Friend Corpus Christi , Texas
I am so very sorry for the loss of this wonderful man. Jenny loved him dearly, and they will be together again in Heaven
Michele Clarkson April 03, 2026
SISTER Elkhorn , Wisconsin
There were three of us. Tom the Oldest, middle sister Due and I was the youngest Michele. Although to Tom I was "SWEET ROLL". We were blessed to have wonderful parents and extended family.. Tom was a man of great faith and family. Growing up we shared many interests especially riding our horses. Tom,s Pinto, named Chief and a beautiful black stallion . I had my beautiful horse, Imperial Princess, who I called IMPY!! TOM EXCELLED IN EVERYTHING HE DID. I was blessed to have him, miss him terribly, respect him always... You are with your Lord now and in time I will join you til then REST IN PEACE, dear one, I LOVE YOU now and ALWAYS
Ron & Kris Adamski April 11, 2026
Friend Bruce , Wisconsin
Our deepest sympathy to the Clarkson family. We have many fond memories of Tom, especially the times we shared in Guatemala in the mountains & around Antigua. We loved sharing time with you and all the kids. You had such a love and such a caring spirit for the kids. We could definitely see Jesus in Tom! We pray that his family would be comforted & encouraged to keep serving our Lord (like Tom did!) Love & Blessings, Ron & Kris
Monique sapp April 12, 2026
Friends West Newfield , Maine
So sorry to hear about Tom! Praying peace to your family! We had the pleasure of knowing Tom at the Af church back in 09 to 2000. He was a wonderful brother in Chris! We loved him and Jenny! He was very kind and funny. He met us and gave our 19 year old daughter a job on the spot at Mexicali Rose knowing she didn't have one, due to just moving to baraboo! No questions asked! Big big heart! He will be remembered fondly!
Bill Kerr April 16, 2026
Friend Anna Maria , Florida
Tom inspired me by his persistence to pursue his dream of sailing up until almost the very end. He exemplified living every moment regardless of age.