Thomas Allen Rawling

Thomas Allen Rawling, 60 of Sheboygan, passed away Tuesday morning, May 1, 2012, in Hospice Care at St. Nicholas Hospital surrounded by his family. Tom lived more than 36 years on renal dialysis, an incredible length of time for a patient with renal failure, and was an inspiration to the many patients he met throughout the years.

Tom was born March 5, 1952, in Sheboygan County to Allen and Vernetta (Neese) Rawling. He attended Washington Elementary School and was a graduate of Sheboygan North High School, Class of 1970. For several years, Tom was employed at Larsen Plywood while he attended Lakeshore Technical Institute. Tom developed kidney failure at age 23 and vowed to “do the best that he could for as long as he could” with the situation he had to face. He was determined to be living proof that dialysis patients can have long, quality lives managing their care and their activities. He was often asked to speak to student nurses about the dialysis process and his experiences.

Tom was a life-long sports fan, participating in a number of high school sports, including the team that won a state bowling championship. After high school, Tom played in a number of city baseball leagues and especially enjoyed playing golf and pool. He followed the Brewers and the Packers faithfully all of his life.

Tom also enjoyed gardening, bird watching, history, and spending time with his family.

Tom is survived by his two sisters, Nancy Haynes of Milwaukee, and Sharon (Jeff) Blum of Sheboygan; two nephews Daniel (Marcia) Oglan of Oconomowoc, Brian Oglan of Sheboygan, and a neice Jessica Oglan of Sheboygan; four great nieces and nephews, Devin Oglan of Sheboygan, and Caden, Kaylee, and Jonah Oglan of Oconomowoc.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Allen W. Rawling,1987, and Vernetta Rawling, 2008. Tom was confirmed and a member of Ebenezer United Church of Christ.

Visitation will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 4, 2012, at Ballhorn Funeral Chapel and Crematory, 1201 N. 8th Street, Sheboygan, with services following at 1:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Wildwood Cemetery.