RIP Tom Metcalfe

We have lost a good man.

Civic leader Metcalfe dies; known for achievements in Madison-area business, politics and community life

MONONA -- Businessman and civic leader Tom Metcalfe, who served a record five terms as mayor of Monona and who founded “The World’s Largest Brat Fest” to benefit local charities, died early Sunday, March 26, 2006, at his home in Monona following a long struggle with cancer. He was 70.

Born into a family of grocers, Metcalfe and his family ran stores in the Milwaukee area, Monona and Madison, including the Sentry Foods store at Hilldale, purchased by the Metcalfe family in 1979. The Hilldale store first hosted the “World’s Largest Brat Fest” in 1983; since then, this Memorial Day weekend event has raised more than $500,000 for local charities.

Metcalfe served as mayor of Monona from 1993 to 2003, and during his tenure the city carried out a number of redevelopment projects while broadening its tax base. He was known for his business-like and customer-oriented approach to the job, and was never opposed for re-election after his initial election.

“When I was mayor, I treated people like they were customers in my grocery store,” Metcalfe once said in describing his role as mayor. “I didn’t become mayor of Monona for personal reasons – I was there to represent the interests of the people of Monona. I sought their input, but in the end somebody had to make the decisions. I like to think I made the decisions that were best for the community as a whole.”

Metcalfe was active in many civic or statewide endeavors, including the Madison Ballet, Friends of Monona Terrace, the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board, Friends of WHA, the Madison Symphony Orchestra, the Monona Chamber of Commerce, the Meriter Foundation Board, the Madison Exchange Club, the Monona Businessman’s Association and the Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau. Metcalfe was a driving force behind the campaign to build the new Monona Public Library.

Long active in Republican politics, Metcalfe ran unsuccessfully in 1996 for Wisconsin Senate against then-Majority Leader Chuck Chvala, D-Madison. He was awarded the Lyman F. Anderson Local Government Public Service award by the Republican Party of Dane County in 2005.

Metcalfe also served three terms as chairman of the Wisconsin Grocers Association and was elected Wisconsin’s “Grocer of the Year” in 2004.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret, and their children: Mary Lichtfeld of Monona, Mrs. Steve (Tammy) Johnson of Madison, Tim Metcalfe of Monona, Kevin and Tina Metcalfe of Monona, and 10 grandchildren.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and again from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at a location to be announced. Services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at Door Creek Church, 6602 Dominion, located north of Cottage Grove Road at the intersection of Sprecher Road and Dominion. For full details, check an obituary to be published Tuesday or contact Gunderson Funeral Home at www.gundersonfh.com

The family requests that memorials be considered for one of two organizations:

- The UW Comprehensive Cancer Center, 600 Highland Ave., K4/658, Madison, WI 53792. For more information, visit http://www.cancer.wisc.edu/donations/framedonations.html

- The Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711. For more information, visit http://www.hospicecareinc.com