Green Bay – Thomas Diedrick, 72, passed away on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 following complications from COVID. Tom was born on February 27, 1950 in Appleton, Wisconsin. He was the oldest son of Joseph and Evelyn Diedrick. He graduated from Freedom High School in 1968. Tom was a high school athlete and was the very first varsity wrestler to win a match for the school. For some years after, the most dedicated wrestler of the year award was named the Tom Diedrick Award. A major accident at the age of 18, while home during Christmas break from college, completely changed his goals in life. After a lengthy rehabilitation process, Tom realized that he wanted to work to help people with disabilities attain their goals of independence. He continued his education at Fox Valley Technical College, graduating in 1972 with a degree in Marketing. He initially worked as a Teaching Assistant at Freedom High School for seven years, being hired by Principal John Schwaller. Tom felt the job was beneficial to both himself and the students, as they learned a lot from each other. The students trusted Tom as a confidante and counselor. Tom was seen by the students as an individual, not a person with disabilities. In 1980, he was hired to work as a peer specialist by Options for Independent Living, sharing his personal experience of disability with those newly injured and their families. This position also gave Tom the opportunity to assist individuals who were older or with disabilities to live independently in their respective community. Tom was appointed Executive Director of Options in 1992, a position he held until his retirement in 2018. As Director, he spearheaded efforts to build a showcase accessible home and office complex in Green Bay to provide independent living services in a unique and unparalleled manner. Tom was instrumental in establishing an Options Endowment Fund and managing two successful Growing Options Campaigns. He worked tirelessly during his 38-year tenure with Options to improve access, reduce barriers and increase opportunities for individuals with disabilities. In 2013, Tom was awarded the National Council for Independent Living Advocacy Award for his dedication to the disability rights movement. The WI Fair Housing Network presented Tom with the 2018 Special Recognition Fair Housing Award for his outstanding contributions in furthering fair housing in the community. Tom served on the Brown County Aging and Disability Resource Center Board and was a long-time member of the Brown County Housing Authority. Tom married Laura Schultz in 1993 and they spent many wonderful times together. A special highlight was owning a cottage in Newfoundland, Canada. Laura preceded him in death in 2011. Tom is survived by his brothers and sisters: Michael (Barbara), Mesa, AZ; Mark (Susan) Diedrick, Freedom, WI; Sandra (Roy) Kieffer, Combined Locks, WI); Debra Wagner, Freedom, WI; Dale (Lorelei) Diedrick, Freedom, WI); Julie Greiner, Bedford, KY, and extended family. He is also survived by his longtime caregiver, former wife, and lifelong friend, Carla Diedrick. He was preceded in death by his parents and baby brother Joseph Jr; brothers-in-law Lonnie Landwehr, Jerry Wagner and Ric Greiner. Many individuals played a very important part of Tom's life and subsequent successes including his family, friends, and colleagues. A special acknowledgment to Kathryn Barry, Sandra Popp and the entire Options family. There will not be any visitation due to COVID. A celebration of life will be held this summer at Options for Independent Living. A Memorial Fund has been established at Options for Independent Living, Tom Diedrick Fund, PO Box 11967, Green Bay WI 54307. Other donations can be sent to the family. Thank you to Ryan Funeral Home, DePere, WI, for coordinating funeral arrangements. Tom continued to express the importance of the love of his family with his last words to his siblings, "I love you". Tom selflessly devoted his life and career as a passionate, humble advocate and steadfast champion of empowering people with disabilities. He inspired those that knew him to never let circumstances limit what you can achieve.