Thomas "Tom" Paul Onken

1959-2021

Thomas (Tom) Onken – a mentor to many, and a friend to all, passed away January 31, 2021 peacefully at his home in Franklin, TN with his family by his side.

Born January 28, 1959 to Leona and Romaine Onken, Tom spent his childhood growing up in Neenah, WI. He was a graduate of Neenah High School and the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where he majored in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Immediately following graduation in 1982, he started his 38-year career with Marriott International as an Assistant Housekeeping Manager. Tom held a variety of roles on-property, including Front Desk Manager and Director of Operations, before moving into above-property leadership roles ranging from Regional Director of Rooms Operations in full service hotels to Regional Director of Marriott Select Brands. From 2007-2018, Tom was Senior Vice President, Lodging Development of the Eastern Region. In this role he was responsible for all aspects of hotel development for Marriott Select Brands. In 2018-present, he was the Chief Franchising Officer for the U.S. As CFO, he was responsible for continuing to build and maintain strong relationships with franchisees in over 4,000 hotels. He determined the strategy and direction for the franchise business to ensure the maximum value for stakeholders. He has worked with several of the MSB Franchise Advisory Councils and is a member of the Advisory Board for the Hunter Hotel Investment Conference. He will be greatly missed by his Marriott family.

Tom will be always be remembered for his witty sense of humor, smart aleck jokes and entertaining stories. He inspired others with his unfailing work ethic, friendship, generosity, and kindness to all. Tom loved nothing more than to spend time at his cottage in the UP of Michigan with family and friends where he would fish, boat, snowmobile, and go 4-wheeling. He was a die-hard Green Bay Packer fan, and always looked forward to his annual fishing trip with his childhood buddies.

Tom is survived by his wife Michele of 16 years, and his son Wyatt, 12. He also leaves behind his two sisters Kim (Jim) Elvecrog and Amy (Jeffrey Marr) Kron, sisters-in-law Laura (Rob) Brown, Ronna (Dave) Girton and brother-in-law David (Nicki) Balczak, as well as many adoring nieces and nephews who will miss their Uncle Tom.

Due to COVID restrictions, a Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Tom Onken Memorial Scholarship Fund that is being set up at the University of Wisconsin-Stout Hospitality Administration/Management program.

https://www.uwstout.edu/tom-onken-memorial-scholarship