Thomas Colvin Lathrop

Thomas Colvin Lathrop

June 2, 1934 – July 4, 2025

Thomas Colvin Lathrop passed peacefully on July 4, 2025, surrounded by family. Tom’s life was marked by service, adventure, and love for family and friends.

Born on June 2, 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Tom was the youngest of four boys born to Floyd and Frieda Lathrop. Tom earned a degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin in 1956. At Wisconsin, he met the love of his life, Janet. They married on July 4, 1957.

Tom served as a navigator in the United States Air Force in Japan. Returning home to Milwaukee, he and Jan raised three children: Karen, Annette, and Tom Jr. Tom continued to serve his country in the Air Force Reserves and recruited for the Air Force Academy, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Professionally, Tom spent 40 years with M&I Bank of Wisconsin. In 1990, he and Jan relocated to Phoenix, where Tom became President and CEO of M&I Thunderbird Bank. He took great pride in his work and deeply valued the lasting friendships he built during his career.

Tom was dedicated to supporting Wisconsin and Arizona communities. He gave his time and leadership to organizations including the Milwaukee Art Museum, Zoological Society of Milwaukee, Junior Achievement of Wisconsin, Valley Presbyterian Church, and Barrow Neurological Foundation.

Tom loved family road trips across the U.S., camping, skiing, hiking, and visiting historical landmarks. He and Jan thrived on adventure—canoeing in Wisconsin, traveling the world, and hiking mountains and deserts, especially the Grand Canyon.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife Janet; their children Karen and husband Jim, Annette, and Tom Jr.; grandchildren Alec, Nick, Emma, Kate, James, Julia and Claire; and great- granddaughter Eliza.

Tom will be remembered for his wonderful laugh and sense of humor, his kindness and generosity, commitment to friends, and his deep love for his wife Jan.

Donations in memory of Tom may be made to Valley Presbyterian Church or Hospice of the Valley. 

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Valley Presbyterian Church, 6947 E McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253.