Thomas Jon Atkins, 75, passed away in Kohler, Wisconsin, a day shy of his 76th birthday. Born April 10, 1950, Tom grew up with his three beloved brothers in Toledo, Ohio, and later raised his family in Pittsburgh and Kohler.
Tom graduated from the University of Toledo and spent over 40 years in commercial flooring sales. He established Atkins Associates, a manufacturer’s representative business, which he led for 25 successful years.
Tom discovered his passion for being on the water as a child. He bought his first boat at the age of 10 with money earned from his paper route. Tom canoed, kayaked, and sailed everywhere he went, from the Great Lakes to the Aegean Sea. Tom was a decorated racer of buoy races, long distance races, and regattas, winning Boat of the Year 2002. Tom had a fleet discount from the Wisconsin DNR for his private armada of 13 sea-worthy crafts. Tom co-founded several youth and university sailing programs, including the Sheboygan Youth Sailing Club. His children and grandchildren all learned to sail on the family’s Optimist Dinghy, beginning on Kohler Woodlake and graduating to the Sheboygan Harbor. Tom served as the Sheboygan Yacht Club Commodore from 2020-2021. In later years, Tom became active as an official sail race judge and Chief Judge, an accomplishment he was extremely proud of. A lifetime of contributions to sailing was recognized by the Lake Michigan Sail Racing Federation, inducting Tom to the Hall of Fame in 2020.
When you see the sun sparkle on the water, please think of Tom.
The time he spent with his grandchildren was precious to him. From building a two-story play fort, a pirate ship for the pool, swimming, fishing, backyard baseball, or a good snuggle and storybook, he was the best Poppop. Tom enjoyed traveling around the world with Joyce and had time to explore Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Central America. Tom was easy to laugh, loved telling a good story, and usually had a joke or packet of Peanut M&Ms up his sleeve.
Tom was a long-time member of Grace United Church of Christ and previously served as President of the Church Council.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 54 years, Joyce Atkins; children, Melissa (Jason) Atkins Wardy, Eric (Lisa) Atkins, and Chris (Theresa) Atkins; grandchildren, Amelia, Benjamin, Clara Grace, Madeline, Alexander, Sidney, and Elliott; brothers, Fred (Marcia) Atkins and Jeff (Patty) Atkins; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thelma and Charles Atkins, and brother, Chuck Atkins.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Sheboygan Yacht Club on June 19, 2026. A greeting will begin at 10:30am, followed by a service at 12:00pm that will be officiated by Reverend Beth Petzke. Olson Funeral Home in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Donations in Tom’s memory can be made to Grace Church of Kohler, Wisconsin State Parks, and Sheboygan Youth Sailing. Tom’s life was a testament to his deep love for his family, his dedication to his community, and his passion for the open waters. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
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