Thomas Dorsey of Cedarburg passed away Monday, September 23, 2024, at Lawlis Family Hospice Center in Mequon. He was 71 years old.

Tom was born in Cheyenne, WY on July 9, 1953, the son of John and Rosemary (Nee Sklar) Dorsey. As a military family, they were transferred often within the United States and two separate times spending a total of 7 years in Japan. Tom attended four different high schools before his graduation in Las Vegas, Nevada. When his father retired from the US Airforce, they settled in Baldwin, WI where Tom met Joan Willink. They were united in marriage on May 24th, 1975.

Both Tom and Joan went to UW-Stout in Menomonie, WI. Tom graduated in 1977 with a degree in Industrial Technology. He took a position with Allen Bradley in Milwaukee as an engineer. They lived the first year in Illinois so Joan could complete her education in Chicago, then moving to Wauwatosa, and later to Brown Deer. In 1983 they moved to Cedarburg. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Dena, Dyan, and Bryan.

Both Tom and Joan loved to entertain together in their home. This was their inspiration to start a restaurant, deli, and catering business in downtown Cedarburg in 1993. They purchased a historic building on Washington Avenue and began remodeling it and adding a commercial kitchen, and Settlers Inn was created. Tom's love for food and cooking began at a young age, learning from his grandmother and mother. He was a true self trained chef. While Tom managed the kitchen, his wife Joan managed the restaurant and catering business.

All their children worked at Settlers Inn in various positions through the years, and in 2015 they outgrew the space and added a new building housing a larger commercial kitchen and remodeled the dining room while also adding a market area. Tom loved working side by side with his children and wife at Settlers Inn. In 2023 he was very proud to have his son Bryan take over the business. The legacy that Tom and Joan started at Settlers Inn will live on at Dorsey's Café and Market.

Tom enjoyed attending his grandsons sporting events. He shared a love of music and cars with his son. And above all else enjoyed sharing his love for food by teaching his children recipes he loved to share.

Tom loved the life he built, his business, and his family endlessly. He will be greatly missed.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Joan, children Dena (Andrew) Baule, Dyan (Andrew) Lasar, both of West Bend, son Bryan (Leslie) Dorsey of Cedarburg, and grandsons Logan Baule, George Lasar, and Wayne Lasar. Tom is further survived by sisters Kathryn Becker and Deborah (Bruce) Buckmaster; sisters-in-law Judy Grose and Jean (Craig) Sandmire; nieces Amanda (Tyler) Volp and Jennifer (Matthew) Clark, nephew Austin (Katie) Sandmire, other family and many friends.

Tom's life will be celebrated on Thursday, October 10th, at Christ Church, 13460 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon. Visitation will be held from 2:30-4:45PM, followed by a service at 5PM. A gathering for friends and family will be held after the service.

A special thank you to Lawlis Family Hospice for the loving care they gave Tom and our family. We will forever be grateful for them.

The Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements; online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com .