Thomas Wesley Thatcher passed away on April 8, 2026 at the Albany hospital at the age of 82. He left this world as he lived his life, with honor and dignity. Tom spent the day surrounded by love and gratitude as he said his final goodbyes to his wife, children, and two of his grandchildren, Thomas Wesley and Madeline Thenell. He slipped away with his daughter, Shelby, holding his hand.

Tom was born on a dairy farm in Menomonie, Wisconsin in 1943 to Miles and Elizabeth Thatcher. He loved telling stories about the cows and running through the pastures in his bare feet. He traveled a lot as a young man. First while serving in the National Guard and then while working with his father for their company Thatcher Drilling and Blasting.

 Tom settled in Albany after meeting his wife Betty. They were married in 1975. Wanting to be close to home, he took a job at Oremet Titanium. He worked there until he retired 25 years later. Tom was a devoted husband and father. During their fifty one years together, he and his wife, Betty, raised four children. Tom never missed a ball game or dance recital even if that meant showing up in his work boots after a 12 hour shift. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, camping, hunting and metal detecting. He instilled a love of the outdoors in all of his children as he often took them with him. Not a summer went by without at least one camping trip. 

Tom was a quiet man who didn’t always say a lot. He let his actions speak for him. He was always kind and willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Tom was sometimes a jokester who loved to laugh. He was always ready to tell or hear a joke, good and bad alike. There was nothing Tom would not do for his family. His calm manner, patience, and sturdy support will be greatly missed. His bright eyes, kind smile and ready laughter will always be with us. Tom was an amazing example of what a good man is. He is survived by his wife Betty, son Kelly, and daughters, Mollee, Shelby, and Lisa. He has five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.