Thomas Alfred “Tom” Dier, 67, of Ahnapee, WI, passed away peacefully at home on November 7, 2026. Tom was born on December 28, 1958, to Mahlon and Jeanette Dier in Algoma. He attended St. Mary Catholic School, developing strong, lifelong friendships with his classmates. Tom was active in the Student Council at Algoma High School and graduated with the Class of 1977. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Architectural Design and Technology from North Central Technical College in Wausau, WI in 1982. Tom married the love of his life, Laurie Idella Diller, on October 12, 1985, at St. Mary Church. Tom’s love and devotion to Laurie remained unmatched through their 41 years of marriage. Tom and Laurie were blessed with three sons: Logan Thomas Dier (fiancée, Brandi) of Green Bay, Austin Jacob Dier and Evan Connor Dier of Ahnapee. He was a proud “Papi” to three grandchildren, Adrian Thomas Dier, Avalyn Paque, and Abel Paque.
Growing up in his family’s business, Forestville Builders and Supply, Tom started pounding nails at the age of three. His role in the business evolved through the years—first as a carpenter, then as a home and remodeling designer, and eventually moving into sales. A natural salesperson who established lifelong connections with people, Tom played an integral role in growing the company into a business known nationwide for high-quality building projects and millwork. Tom had a true passion for food. Name a city he visited, and he could recommend the best restaurants. Eager for a great recipe, he was never shy about asking to speak with the head chef—as he famously did during a trip to Emeril Lagasse’s restaurant. Tom found joy in planning menus and cooking for family and friends. At any gathering, his rumaki was always the first dish to disappear, alongside his signature Crème Brûlée and his legendary orange-chipotle glaze. Music was another cornerstone of Tom’s life. A dedicated fan of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead, he attended countless concerts over the years and also enjoyed music from Huey Lewis, Bruce Hornsby, B.B. King, and George Winston, a passion he shared with his sons. Together with Laurie, he proudly supported the Algoma High School Music Department, working as a chef for the AHS Dinner Concert for over 20 years. Tom and Laurie were active members of the St. Mary Parish Congregation, volunteering for numerous projects and community events, including food preparation for Shanty Days and the popular festival dinners. He was a member of the Forestville Maplewood Lions Club, and cherished the time spent with his sons collecting deer hides for donations, among other projects. An avid outdoorsman, Tom enjoyed hunting and time at the Woodside cottage with his father, brother Jeff, sons, cousin Jim, uncles and nephews. He was part of the “Sugar Shack” crew that produced the “Pride of Woodside” maple syrup for family and friends. Wherever Tom went, he made countless lasting friends through business and leisure - friendships he always cherished.
Tom was deeply blessed by his dedicated care team—Conchita, Dawn, and Nicolette—who worked closely alongside him and Laurie. Tom frequently shared his deep appreciation for the staff at Sunshine House / Sunflower Cottage and the nurses and doctors at Froedtert Cancer Center by delivering homemade treats and bakery goods during his visits.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Laurie; his sons and grandchildren; his siblings, Laura Krzysiak, Kristine (Floyd) Dauenhauer, Peggy Lynn, Jacqueline Toepfer (Kurt Bullard), Jeffrey (Alana) Dier, and Michelle (Dan) Bastian; and Laurie’s sister, Rose Cortsen. He is further survived by his brother-in-law, Roger Nelson; cousins and many beloved nieces and nephews who fondly remember his generous, fun-loving spirit. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary Nelson; brother-in-law, Gary Krzysiak; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Edna and Marty Koontz, Jim Cortsen, Jack and Sally Diller, Greg Koontz, great-nephew, Elden Steinhoff, and many friends.
Visitation will be held at Schinderle Funeral Home on Thursday, November 12, from 4 PM to 8 PM, with a prayer service at 7 PM. Viewing will continue on Friday, November 13, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Algoma from 9 AM to 11 AM, with a Mass to follow at 11 AM. Father Bill Switchenberg will preside. In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Sunshine Resources of Door County (https://sunshineresources.org/), the Forestville Maplewood Lions Club, and Unity Hospice.
