Thomas H. Traeder, age 69, of Hillsboro, Wisconsin passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, November 10, 2011. 

He was born on May 24, 1942, the son of Harry and Ruth (Winters) Traeder in Reedsburg, WI.  Tom grew to adulthood in Wonewoc, WI attending St. Paul’s Lutheran School and graduating from Wonewoc High School in 1960.  He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin - Madison.  Tom was united in marriage to Jean Degner on September 5, 1964 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Wonewoc.  They lived in Madison, WI for a short time, and have since made their home in Hillsboro.

Tom was active in several agricultural related businesses, becoming President and co-owner of Hillsboro Farm Service and Hillsboro Equipment, Inc., and later founding Traeder Enterprises, Inc.  Two of his sons (Tim and Ted) continue the operation.  He was President of the Wisconsin Farm Equipment Dealer’s Association.  He also was an active member of the Equipment Manufacturers Distribution Association (formerly A.I.M.R.A.).

He was also a former member of the Hillsboro Fire Department; a charter member of the Hillsboro Lions Club, serving as Treasurer.  He was President and Treasurer of Ducks Unlimited; starting 3 new chapters.  He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hillsboro, serving on the Church Board.   Additionally, he served on the Board of Directors of St. Joseph’s Memorial Hospital and Home in Hillsboro becoming President of the Board; and he truly enjoyed being master of ceremonies at their golf fundraiser for many years.  He served on the Board of Directors of Farmers State Bank in Hillsboro.

Tom enjoyed life immensely.  He was an avid reader, loved hunting, golfing (he started and hosted the Brandy Berry Open, held annually since 1979 at Spring Valley Golf Course), boating and especially spending time at Castle Rock Lake entertaining a host of family and friends. 

He will be deeply missed by his loving family and friends, including his wife, Jean of Hillsboro, WI; sons, Timothy (Tracy) Traeder of Fitchburg, WI, Todd (Shannon) Traeder of Cottage Grove, WI, and Theodore (Christine) Traeder of Lodi, WI; grandchildren, Brady, Mackenzie and Peyton; Dane, Eli and Addyson; Trey, Lea, Theo, Quinn and Kasey; sisters Kay Krueger of Sturgeon Bay, WI and Jane Olson of Cincinnati, Ohio.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry & Ruth.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 18, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 579 Lake St., Hillsboro, WI.  The Pastor Conrad Prell will officiate.  Burial will take place at the Mount Vernon Cemetery in Hillsboro.  Visitation will be held at Picha Funeral Home, 908 Prairie Ave., Hillsboro from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 17, 2011 and also at the church on Friday, Nov. 18, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services.  For online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com

Suggested memorials may be given to St. Joseph’s Memorial Hospital, the Hillsboro Public Library, or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, all are in Hillsboro.