Thomas "Tom" John Sandeman, 77, cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at The Methodist Hospital in The Woodlands, Texas, on June 17, 2025, following a prolonged illness. He was surrounded with the love of his devoted wife and children.

Born on February 11, 1948, in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, to Albert and Iola (Neff) Sandeman, Tom's formative years were shaped by a steadfast work ethic, a commitment to integrity and sportsmanship, and the honor of service. He was a proud 1966 graduate of Sauk Prairie High School in Prairie Du Sac, Wisconsin. On June 28, 1969, Tom married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Jean Mabbott, in a Nuptial Mass at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Sauk City, Wisconsin. Tom earned a BBA from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, an MBA from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and was licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Tom began his career as a tax accountant with Arthur Andersen & Co. before advancing to senior financial roles at ITT Grinnell and Ponderosa. He led the Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Cuco's Mexican Restaurants and subsequently served as their first CFO. Later, he served as CFO for Wall St. Deli, the Orthodontic Centers of America and Piccadilly Restaurants. His appointment as CEO of Piccadilly represented the culmination of decades marked by visionary leadership and dedication—an achievement that showcased his remarkable talent for guiding organizations through transformation and growth. After reaching this milestone and enjoying a well-earned retirement, Tom continued to offer his expertise as a consultant to EQ Health Solutions in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He furthered his legacy of service by mentoring employees and young professionals throughout his career. Tom eagerly shared his knowledge and experience with future generations when invited as guest lecturer at Louisiana State University, E.J. Ourso College of Business and as Adjunct Professor at Tulane University, Freeman School of Business, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Beyond his professional achievements, Tom found the greatest joy in his family. As a devoted father to his children, Todd and Elizabeth, he took pride in every milestone. Whether celebrating their individual victories or guiding them through life's challenges, Tom's steadfast devotion never wavered. He created an environment of encouragement and unconditional support within his home ensuring that Todd and Elizabeth always understood the depth of his love for them. Additionally, Tom extended this love and support to his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth (Brown) Sandeman, and son-in-law, Jeffrey Girotto, whom he regarded as his own children. He welcomed them and their families with genuine warmth. Tom inspired his children with a lifelong passion for history with fun-loving stories of his ancestors. Recently, Tom confirmed his mother's lifelong efforts to prove descendancy from the Mayflower Pilgrims and American Revolutionary Patriots, subsequently joining both The General Society of Mayflower Descendants and the Sons of the American Revolution chapter in The Woodlands, Texas. Tom was also a published poet and authored short stories reflecting his experiences growing up, his enthusiasm for sports and his connection to New Orleans. His family frequently served as the central theme in his literary works.

Tom and Barbara cultivated lifelong friendships, welcoming family and friends from across the country to share their affection for all things New Orleans. Tom found joy in guiding visitors through the French Quarter's storied streets, inviting them to savor beignets while wandering beneath ancient oaks as the vibrant sounds of New Orleans music filled the air. Together they cherished friendships made in the New Orleans Chapter of Legatus, the Newcomers Club of New Orleans, Mardi Gras Krewes and with neighbors on Tartan Drive, while maintaining many childhood friendships in Prairie du Sac and Sauk City, Wisconsin.

Faith and service were the cornerstones of Tom's life. As a man steadfast in his Catholic beliefs and a disciple of Christ, he was inspired to be a "Man of Service." Tom served as Louisiana State Chairman for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), the Special Olympics Summer Games, and as a board member of the New Orleans Chapter of Legatus. He was actively involved in fundraising for the Catholic Community Foundation and Dominican High School in New Orleans. He was a dedicated supporter of the Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum in Rome, Italy, Sisters of the Holy Family and St. Mary's Academy, both in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Tom is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Barbara Jean, his "Irish Rose"; their beloved children, Todd Jeremy (Elizabeth J. Brown) Sandeman, and Elizabeth Ann (Jeffrey S.) Girotto. He was a loving "Papa Tom" to his grandchildren: Madeleine Kate, Nicholas Scott, Christopher Thomas, and Rachael Elizabeth Girotto.  He is also survived by brother Dean W. (Jean) Sandeman, brother-in-law Jack M. Caygill, sisters-in-law Margaret A. "Peggy" Exterovich (Bruce Fritsch) and Mary Jo (Mark) Nichols, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a cherished Vietnamese family he and Barbara sponsored 26 years ago: Thuan, Yen, Thanh (Giang), and his namesake, Minh "Tommy" (Quy) Tran. Preceding him in death were his father, Albert Dean Sandeman; mother, Iola Celeste (Neff) Sandeman; sister, Donna M. Caygill, father and mother in-law George Archie and Eileen Mary (Cavanaugh) Mabbott; brother and sister-in-law John D. and Barbara A. (DesRochers) Mabbott; brothers-in law Robert H. Breunig and Gerald J. Exterovich; and Godson/nephew Scott R. Breunig, MD.

A Requiem Mass was held Saturday, July 12, 2025, in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans, Louisiana. Father Thomas Montanaro, LC, Rome, Italy, served as Main Celebrant with Father Desmond Daniels, Houston, Texas, and Father Stephen Dardis, New Orleans, Louisiana, as concelebrants. Graveside services and interment will be held October 11, 2025, 11 AM at St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery in Sauk City, Wisconsin. Father Gary Krahenbuhl, Madison, Wisconsin, will officiate the Rite of Committal. Following the Committal, family and friends are invited to join us for a reception celebrating Tom's life at The Vintage Restaurant, 600 Water Street, Sauk City.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Tom's memory to any of the following: Sauk Prairie Area Historical Society, 565 Water Street, Prairie Du Sac, WI 53578, Sauk Prairie Sports Boosters, 105 9th St. Prairie Du Sac, WI 53578, Regina Apostolorum Foundation - please select Pontifical Endowment (https://tinyurl.com/TomSandeman).

Tom's legacy endures through memories of his warm embraces, generous spirit and booming voice. He was always ready with a kind word for everyone he met, infusing every occasion with genuine joy and infectious optimism. Tom delighted in declaring every experience as the "best ever!" Tom was called home by Our Father, yet his spirit lives on in the laughter and stories shared by family and friends, and in the lasting impact he made on the hearts of those who cherished him.

"Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him, may he rest in peace, Amen."