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Thomas “Tommy” Kline

March 30, 1973 - September 1, 2020
Visitation
St. Anthony on the Lake Catholic Church
W280 N2101 Prospect Avenue
Pewaukee, WI 53072
262-691-1173 | Map
Monday 9/14, 10:00 am - 1:45 pm
Service
St. Anthony on the Lake Catholic Church
W280 N2101 Prospect Avenue
Pewaukee, WI 53072
262-691-1173 | Map
Monday 9/14, 2:00 pm
Memorial

Milwaukee County Housing Division, 600 West Walnut Street, Ste 100, Milwaukee, WI 53212 – Attention : James Mathy.

Entered into eternal life, Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at the age of 47. Born March 30, 1973, in Milwaukee Wisconsin. He is survived by father Robert Kline, beloved son of Kris (Keith) Jamieson, sister Julie (Tom) Felser, nephew Jack Felser, niece Alyssa Felser, and many other relatives and friends. A special thank you to friendsContinue Reading

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Karen Faye Ivory left a message on December 10, 2021:
He was such a gentle soul
Isadora with a "K" left a message on September 1, 2021:
The laughs the good times will never be forgotten, rest easy. Thank you for everything.
Michele Tiesling left a message on September 16, 2020:
My deepest condolences. I am so very sorry for your loss. I am originally from Milwaukee and got to know Tom during my college years (while at Mount Mary college/university) through the Rick Nelson family. I remember having fun times with Tom and how he was so funny, sweet and compassionate. I remember him also being protective, very sincere and such a caring person. I hope and pray for positive change for all of us to learn how to treat each other better as Tom treated everyone with selfless actions. Praying for peace and God Bless, Michele
Sarah left a message on September 15, 2020:
Officer Kline was my favorite police officer I ever met. He was our community liaison officer for a few years when our area on the east side was having a lot of random crimes, made us feel and know that if we had an issue we could call him and he would help. He really showed, with his smile, and the genuine way he spoke that he cared. Just last year I had the chance to tour him and some of his colleagues around a building they were looking at for the DNC. I was so happy to see him, a familiar, friendly face & he seemed really happy to be on the DNC Task Force. The world was truly brighter with him in it and the City of Milwaukee has really lost someone that presented how good the police can be. My deepest sympathy and prayers for his family. He truly will be missed by so many.
Angela Skurulsky left a message on September 15, 2020:
I started working for the Pewaukee School system in 1984. (Retired in 2013) My second year was as the Middle School secretary. Tommy would be with me in the office on a regular basis....he was just a goof ball ...a really sweet kid. ...(same age as my son at the time). We had some really interesting conversations. Teachers would tease him that he intentionally tried to get sent down to the office in order to spend the days with me. (Think there was some element of truth to that...Mr Feuerstein (principal) said as much!) During that time I got to experience Tommy’s sense of humor and caring nature. It didn’t surprise me when I learned he became a police officer and of his outreach work with the homeless......a job that I knew he would approach with compassion. It saddens me greatly that he suffered such despair. REST IN PEACE TOMMY. Heartfelt sympathy to the family for your loss. Angie Skurulsky ......aka “Mrs S”
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
virginia wagner left a message on September 15, 2020:
Julie - I just read in the newspaper about the death of your brother. I remember you talking about him fondly. I am so sorry for you, your family and friends. It sounds like he was a wonderful person. I send you my prayers and love. I hope your friends, family and memories lift you up and surround you with great love. Virginia Wagner, colleague from Alverno College
Henry Garza left a message on September 14, 2020:
I served with Tommy in the Marines. We were in the same MP school class and then we were reunited in Quantico after his duty in Japan. He was always liked and he is definitely remembered. Many of the Marines we served with have joined a Facebook group. Tommy ‘s passing has brought over 30 Marines together so that we stay in touch and we can watch over each other. We wish we could be there to bid him farewell. Tommy you will always be remembered. Semper Fi.
Esqueda Family left a message on September 14, 2020:
You may be gone from our sight but never from our hearts. Love you, brother
Pastor Alexis Twito left a message on September 14, 2020:
I had the privilege of getting to know Tom while I served as Coordinator for The Salvation Army Crisis Chaplaincy Program, which worked in partnership with the Milwaukee Police Department. He was the first officer I met at District 1, and was so immediately positive about ways that we could partner together. He was a genuine and fun guy, with a great sense of humor and an even greater sense of commitment to the community. Most recently I had been working with him on the DNC Task Force, as he had originally asked us to help him coordinate respite centers for the law enforcement that were going to be pulling double duty during the event. Because he cared about his fellow officers and wanted to make sure they were well equipped and cared for in serving the city. But, with the ravages of COVID, plans for the DNC changed and unfortunately our plans fell through. I wish they hadn't. I wish I'd been more in touch with Tom over the last couple months. To tell him how grateful I was for him. How faithfully I saw him serving the city. I wish he knew how valued he was. I cannot make it to the funeral service today, as ministry has pulled me away last minute. But, I know Tom would understand. He always put the people he served first. So, to those of you who loved Tom-- thank you for giving him to us to know and love. I am so deeply sorry for your loss, and for the loss for the entire city of Milwaukee. May God bless you in your grief and in your remembering.
Mary Schanning left a message on September 14, 2020:
As an attorney in the Milwaukee City Attorney's Office, I worked with Tom quite a bit over the past year. Although I had only known him for a short time, he treated me as though we were life-long friends. His friendly personality could light up a room and put everyone instantly at ease round him. It was only after his death that I learned the amazing impact he made to the various neighborhoods and communities that he worked with as part of the MPD family. His presence will be sorely missed. On behalf of myself and the Milwaukee City Attorney's Office, our sincere condolences to Tom's family, friends and co-workers. Rest in Peace Officer Kline.
John & Chris left a message on September 14, 2020:
We appreciate the dedication & effort Tom made over the years as our friendly local community liaison officer to help make our neighborhood a better place to live for everyone. If there were more people like Tom around, we think there would be better relations in all of our neighborhoods.
Karolyn Ann Krueger left a message on September 14, 2020:
Kris - it is with the deepest sadness when we learned of your dear son's passing. We will keep you and the rest of your family in our prayers. May you all find peace and healing. Karolyn and Regge Krueger
Keri Duce left a message on September 14, 2020:
On behalf of the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee we send our sincere condolences in the terrible loss of Officer Kline. Tom played an instrumental role in changing the face of neighborhood relations on the Eastside. His positive and pragmatic approach made him a favorite among students, staff, and neighbors alike. Tom and I spent hours honing his public relations skills and his charismatic nature took right to the highly political environment in District 1. His only failure, an attempt at some video clips for our orientation presentation, were comical at best as he never got comfortable in front of the camera. Over the years Tom and I became friends and confidants, and I'll miss him dearly. We will honor him in our continued work and never forget the impact he had on others.
Major Kevin Blom - Florida Highway Patrol left a message on September 14, 2020:
My thoughts and prayers are with Tom's family and his extended family, the great men and women of the Milwaukee Police Department. I recently worked with Officer Kline and several MPD members and was treated with great respect. The short time I knew him, I came to respect the man and officer that had a love of family and community. I am truly honored to have called him my friend. He touched many lives in a positive way. A great man, son, father, and police officer left us way too soon. Thank you for your friendship!
Jan Von Hoff (PHS) left a message on September 13, 2020:
I saw your picture online today, dressed in your uniform blues, and I wished with all my heart that I hadn’t heard the news. I haven’t seen you in oh so long, thirty years would be my bet, but I recognized you anyway since teachers don’t forget. I looked at your face that’s older now and the changes seemed so few, because what I saw inside the man was the young boy that I once knew. To describe you as a student, I’ll do my very best. You were, no doubt, rebellious and put teachers to the test! You challenged the rules right and left, as students sometimes do. The difference is that you made it hard to be too mad at you. That smile was your signature, always on your face, and I swear that no matter what you did, it was your saving grace. And when you left high school behind it was so good to see, the Marines became your choice at first and then the Academy. I heard that you were so well-liked by the communities that you served. The awards you received along the way were surely well-deserved. This summer was a stressful one, especially hard on you, I’m sorry that such disrespect was heaped on officers in Blue. The past few years I’ve stopped police to give them my regards, I know they serve us from their hearts and the job is awfully hard, From now on when I see an officer and thank them as I do, I’ll stop a moment to reflect on the young man who I once knew. Rest in peace, Tom.
Bon Qui Qui left a message on September 13, 2020:
Kelly is my name, but Tom nicknamed me Bon Qui Qui during our marathon training. Tom lit up a room with his presence. One of the silliest men I’ve had the pleasure to spend time with. We bonded over humor. He loved dogs. Always willing to watch friends “best friends” whenever needed. My dog spent a decade basking in the paradise of Tom’s house. Tom embraced community. His service to MPD and ability to cultivate relationships with individuals & businesses was stellar. A great man gone too soon. Thoughts and prayers to all of his friends and family.
Ivory Britton Jr left a message on September 13, 2020:
I had the privilege of being one of Tom’s field training sergeants his enthusiasm was exceptional to say that to say the least. He was a quick study and cared about his job he cared about citizens and he cared about his coworkers!
Brian Marchman left a message on September 13, 2020:
RIP “Tommy”
Philip Poulos left a message on September 12, 2020:
I had the honor of working with TK for a few years. He was a great guy who never failed to brighten your day. Rest In Peace Brother, we’ve got this from here.
Gary Halvorsen left a message on September 12, 2020:
Office Kline's presentation was always the highlight of all of our Murray Hill Neighborhood Association meetings. His energy would light up the room and his compassion and empathy were always appreciated no matter how uncomfortable some of members questions could be. He will be missed, he was one of the best.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Susan Frank left a message on September 11, 2020:
A photo I took of him as a small boy at Christmas one year at an uncles house, is engraved in my mind. Watching him grow up over the years by Being at holiday events I had the joy and privilege to be part of with the Kline and Firestone families. Then seeing the sweet and handsome teen ager he grew into when he stopped by a cousins house made an impression. My surprise at a wedding, one year when he tapped my shoulder, I turned and here was this poised young man- all grown up. A hug. So good to see him again. And then the all too rare times, I was able to spend time with him, talking at Bernie and Betty’s house, I enjoyed every moment in conversation with him and saw the still, sweet, sensitive adult talking with joy and enthusiasm and unmistakable pride about being on the Force. Same smile as when he was that small boy. Prayers sent out to him ...and all who knew and loved him as we grieve.
Gregory James left a message on September 11, 2020:
Tom worked for many years as the Neighborhood Liaison Officer on Milwaukee's Upper East Side. He was one of the best. Always willing to listen to neighborhood concerns and genuinely interested in helping neighborhood associations like ours. Losing him is breaking many hearts in our neighborhood.
Chaquila Peavy left a message on September 11, 2020:
My deepest condolences.
Amy Matthews-Rosenau left a message on September 10, 2020:
To all his family and friends, my heart aches for your loss but you now have the most qualified guardian angel to look after you. I have known Tom since middle school. We shared allot of fun and crazy moments together. From walking the railroad tracks and getting the bright idea to hop on railcar but then it started to take off. OMG, we were terrified, luckily it stopped at the Sussex Quad plant and his sisters friend happened to be at the Hardee's right there to give us a ride back. Sorry Mom's that was really dumb!! Our late night breakfasts at Perkins or Denny's, figuring out our life dramas which would always end with the great debate over pancakes verses waffles. Which, he would always involve the whole restaurant. From polar bearing in Lake Michigan together, to when we dressed up as PHS cheerleaders and did the SNL cheerleading skit with Will Ferrell at O'Dannys bar for Halloween. Can't forget our karaoke debut, singing Cindy Lauper's, All through the night, which now has a much deeper meaning. When I moved away we would run into each other at the most random places. All of a sudden I would hear his voice call out, "Amykins" and we would pick up right where we left off. He always lite up a room with his great energy like no one I have ever known. My dear sweet friend, I hope you find your peace and I will always remember you, cherishing these moments and be forever thankful to have had you in my life. Love forever your, Amykins!
Jane Joplin left a message on September 10, 2020:
Thank you for your service and May you Rest In Peace. Condolences to your family and all that love you, my heart breaks for you. Jane Dallas, Texas
Amanda Hoff left a message on September 9, 2020:
Officer Kline was such a compassionate man. This is devastating news but the impact he left on so many will be remembered. Prayers for healing for his family.
Coach Rye left a message on September 9, 2020:
My deepest condolences to the Kline family. It was my pleasure to have coached Tommy in both in football and wrestling at P.H.S., He will be missed.
Meg McKenna left a message on September 9, 2020:
My heartfelt condolences to all Tom's family, police brethren, and friends. Tom was a sweet and dedicated man to our city. I am so very sorry about the loss of him. Meg McKenna
Milwaukee Police Post #415 of the American Legion left a message on September 9, 2020:
With Sympathy to your whole family. May it comfort you to know that others care, and may you find new hope and peace in the days ahead.
Robin Atwater left a message on September 9, 2020:
Kris, Keith, Julie and family, there are no words. I’m so so very sorry for Tommy’s passing. There’s just nothing to write, other than you already know my feelings. Love and blessings in the coming days....and always. Love Robin
Rick & Cindy Russart left a message on September 9, 2020:
Kris, Keith and Family: Words are hard to come by at this time. We and our family express the deepest sympathy to you and yours. Blessings and love always, The Russart Family (Rick & Cindy)
Wade W. Grubich left a message on September 8, 2020:
The sudden and tragic passing of Tom will leave a hole in the hearts of all of us who had worked with him over the years on the Milwaukee Police Department. He was a person who could always be counted on to step forward do his best to help, not just the community, but his brother and sister officers as well. I hope that the leadership of the Department understands how painful his passing is to all of us who knew and worked with. Deepest condolences to his family and to all who knew and loved Tom.
Lori (Gehrke) Kleszczynski left a message on September 8, 2020:
Heartfelt thoughts, deepest sympathies & sincerest condolences to the entire family on Tom's passing. On behalf of myself and Pewaukee HS class of 1988.
Raymond Hanan left a message on September 8, 2020:
Rest In Peace TK. I’ll always remember you as a devoted childhood friend who was always there for anyone in need. Tom was an amazing athlete. I enjoyed watching him excel in PHS football and wrestling, and have the ultimate respect for your journey in the US Marines and as a MPD family member. I have fond memories of our times hanging with the guys. Whether it was at spring break, our trips to HS basketball state tourneys, or weekends in Lacrosse partying, Tom would always make everyone laugh with his great sense of humor and was always the life of the party whenever he entered the room. I remember jumping in Lake Michigan on the morning after a NYE party on Milwaukee’s east side (Polar Bear Club), and afterwords, he and dozens of other Marines got together and chanted out several traditional US Marine sayings in the freezing cold. I was envious of his US Marine brotherhood. He was an amazing person and childhood friend whom I will miss dearly. See ya Tommy.
Tube Socks left a message on September 6, 2020:
You will be forever missed my dear friend. Love you Tubes RIP
Ruth LePoidevin left a message on September 6, 2020:
Tom, Julie, and Jack, My deepest condolences for your loss. Ruth
Gary Bach left a message on September 5, 2020:
We are so sad to hear about Tom. He grew up with my daughter's on Pear Tree La in Pewaukee. I have nothing but fond memories, teaching him how to ride a bike to watching in play at our house on a daily basis When I heard Tom became a Marine and then went on to become a police officer, I was extremely proud of him!! Heaven his now well protected, rest in piece my friend.
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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