Thomas W. Pilgrim ,75, avid entertainer, adventurer and consummate storyteller, left this world on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017, with a flourish of humor and strength.

Born Aug. 13, 1942 to Joseph and Helen (McMahon) Pilgrim, he grew up in Beloit, Wis. and his zest for life became immediately apparent as he threw himself passionately into every sport available.

At UW-Platteville, he earned a Civil Engineering degree, co-founded a fraternity (Epsilon Delta), and committed several shenanigans with now lifelong friends.

In his career as a Professional Engineer, he was an innovator with prestressed concrete, designing beams for bridges all over the state and beyond and was an active member of the ASCE, the PCI and the Roadbuilders Associations, retiring in 2007.

Famous for his St. Patrick's Day block parties in earlier adult life and weekend cottage garage gatherings in later life, he was always ready to share a story and a drink or lend a hand to someone in need. He rarely missed going to a weekly mass or a Packers game (since the Ice Bowl), and loved his weekly golf outings with close friends.

True to his adventuresome nature, he and his wife traveled the world, from Tahiti to Colombia, and traced his roots to Ireland and Germany.

Tom was a man of integrity, loyalty, generosity and the perfect dose of humor. He will be missed by many and remembered by all who knew him.

He is survived by his family that he dearly loved - his wife of 51 years, Carol; daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Jon Heilmann; beloved granddaughter, Fiona; sister, Evelyn (Bob) Vieau; sister-in-law, Patty Pilgrim; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Helen Pilgrim; brother, Jim Pilgrim; and sister, Joanne (Dick) Flanigan.

Friends may call at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1420 Division St., from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday. A Parish Wake will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Visitation will continue at church from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, followed by mass officiated by Rev. Ronald Belitz.

The family extends their gratitude to the amazing, vigilant nurses and staff at Unity Hospice, 2 ^nd Floor Bellin and to Dr. James Rider.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Unity Hospice.