William Thomas "Tom" Carls, 62, passed away May 15, 2025 after suffering a serious stroke. Tom was the loving husband of CoryAnn St. Marie-Carls, for 30 years, married July 8, 1995. Father to W. Layton and dear son of William Ronald Carls and Mary Catherine Carls (nee Kaskubar). Grandson of the late William Vernon Carls and Loraine Carls (nee Baldwin) and Edward and Mathilda Kaskubar (nee Himmelsbach). Survived by sister Tamara (Gary) Shortess, brother Timothy (Franca), Patricia (Darrell) Howard, brother-in-law Terry (Anita) St. Marie and sister-in-law Michele St. Marie (Randy) Boelkow and nine cherished nieces and nephews. Tom was born in Racine, WI and attended St. Joseph Catholic grade school and St. Bonaventure High School in Racine. He received his BS in Finance and Economics from UW-Parkside and his MBA from UW-Milwaukee. Tom had an accomplished and extensive career in commercial banking and rose to the position of Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer of the Byline Bank Small Business Capital Division. Tom's love was his wife Cory, his world was his only son Layton, his passion was banking, and his escape was his cycling.

Tom's previous banking positions included Executive Vice President, Bank of Kenosha, and Vice President Commercial Lending, JP Morgan Chase. His expertise and passion for his profession extended into teaching as a UWM faculty lecturer as well as a faculty lecturer at Carroll University and webinar facilitator for the Risk Management Association.

He was a dedicated volunteer in community service organizations and agencies for the last 35 years, with the Jaycees, YMCA, Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha, Optimist International Clubs, Racine Harborfest, and more. Tom was a member of the Kenosha Redevelopment Authority, Development Corporation and Neighborhood Housing Services. He also served as the Trustee for Nativity of the Lord Catholic Church in Cudahy, WI. His catholic faith guided him in all aspects of his life; he prayed the rosary daily and loved watching the "Chosen" series whenever he could.

Generosity was important to Tom, he regularly gave support to church, school, and charity/service organizations. Tom's financial expertise was sought out by his colleagues, friends, and family.

His love for sports led him to coach his son Layton's basketball team for St. Thomas Aquinas Academy. A Bucks Basketball season ticket holder for 25 years; Tom enjoyed Bucks games with Layton and Cory but often treated his friends and family to games.

As a talented golfer, taught by his dad Ron, he shared rounds with his family and friends, it was one of his favorite pastimes. As his son Layton competed in High School and college Tennis at Carroll University, he helped him practice often, sometimes having him serve 100's of times at a single practice. In addition, Tom, who was a music fan, dabbled with a guitar in his younger days and later became the number one fan of his son Layton's musical interests. Tom supported Layton's voice and or piano recitals, contests, concerts, musicals and never missed a performance; always beaming with pride. He was the "rock" behind his wife Cory, whom he never hesitated to show his love by always supporting her every endeavor. When Cory received the Polish American of the Year award in 2023, Tom's witty, heartfelt and insightful speech was a special moment, Cory as well as others will never forget.

Tom's brother Tim got him into cycling. After receiving a Waterford bike for his 50th birthday; Tom road his bike almost daily, completing 6,000 miles per year. His last ride on earth was halted by a stroke as a result of a large blood clot and he was taken from us unexpectedly too soon. Tom is deeply missed by his friends, family, and co-workers. His impeccable scheduling, efficiency, dedication, passion, love and generosity in all aspects of his life made him irreplaceable.

Visitation Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 9:00 A.M.-11:45 A.M. at ST. VERONICA CONGREGATION CHURCH (4001 S Whitnall Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207) with Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 12:00 Noon. Following the Mass at church, all are invited for dinner at Pulaski Inn, Cudahy Private interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Racine. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Nativity of the Lord Parish, Cudahy or St. Thomas More High School (2601 E. Morgan Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53207).