Thomas G. Petri

Thomas "Thom" G. Petri of Hartland, WI, was born on October 31, 1944, and passed away peacefully at home on August 26, 2026. Beloved and devoted husband of Darlene (Ferris) for almost 47 years. He is also survived by his brother Geza (late Denise) and sisters-in-law Chris Ferris (Warren Kloner), Carolyn Campeaux, and Mary (Erik) Treba. Along with nephews and nieces Jason (Michaele) Petri, Jeremy Petri, Jessica (David) Moreau, Erin (Justin) Garzia, Travis (Melissa) and Mitchell Treba. Great-nieces and nephews Sophia, James and Olivia Petri; Gwendolyn Culbert; Aidan and Vivienne Moreau; Gavin, Owen, Kristen and Allison Garzia, and Brooklyn Treba.

Thom was born in Kocsola, Hungary, and his family came to America in 1951 after living in Germany for 6 years and settled in Waukesha, WI. He became a strong fan of auto racing and was a member of SCCA and raced at tracks in several states. First, he raced an Austin Healey Bugeye Sprite, followed by a Formula Ford. He also developed and kept a strong love for Formula 1 and Indy Car (formerly CART) racing along with Formula E and the lower classes of open-wheel racing. For close to 10 years, Thom and Darlene worked Wisconsin CART races in the pits as pit observers, tire distribution, and pop-off valves as volunteers. Thom had a great interest in British sports cars and was an auto enthusiast in general.

Thom and Darlene met at Waukesha County Technical Institute (now WCTC) and were married on September 22, 1979, after 4 years together. Thom also picked up Darlene’s interest in birding. Before attending WCTI Thom was a British auto mechanic. After WCTI he was in sales of fasteners and automotive parts, before moving back to British car repair and on to working for Don Jacobs as a lot attendant and Wilde Subaru as a custodian. He retired from Wilde Subaru on October 30, 2020.

In 2004, Thom and Darlene traveled to Hungary and visited with his relatives still in Hungary. They traveled within the USA from Washington to North Carolina and explored a lot of Wisconsin.

The memorial service for Tom will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Evert-Luko Funeral Home in Hartland, WI. Family and friends are invited to visit directly at the funeral home from 9:00 am until the time of the service. A reception will follow. Burial will be at 1:30 pm at Prairie Home Cemetery in Waukesha. Thom will be cremated and put in a biodegradable urn for natural (green) burial.

If desired, donate to the ACLU or plant a tree.