Thomas C Jelinek

Thomas Jelinek, age 76, of Neillsville, WI formerly of South Milwaukee, WI peacefully joined the Lord our Savior on Monday, September 19, 2016 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield, WI surrounded by friends and family members.Thomas Charles Jelinek was born on December 21, 1939 in Milwaukee, WI. The son of Edward and Lorraine (Redlin) Jelinek. He graduated from Bayview High School and went on to achieve his apprenticeship through the Steamfitters Local 601. Tom proudly served in the United States Air National Guard. He was united in marriage to Joyce Ann Voves on February 22, 1958 in Illinois. Tom worked 36 years as a Steamfitter. He worked for many local contractors in the Milwaukee area, many times leading significant projects. Tom and Joyce retired in 1995 and shortly after moved to Neillsville, WI. They traveled 1000's of miles together before and after retirement.He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Neillsville. He enjoyed traveling, hunting, fishing, trap shooting and loved to test out an unfamiliar county highway. Tom was known to tell a good joke or two; often when he started a sentence, there would be a "punch-line" at the end. He was a huge Green Bay Packers fan looking forward to every Sunday's game.He is survived by two children, James (Debbie) Jelinek of Burlington, WI and Julie (Ron) Ertman of South Milwaukee, WI, five grandchildren, Nicole, Shawn, Ryan, Chloe and Nick, and a brother, Gene (Diane) Jelinek of Winchester, WI, his companion Maxine Lund (Waterford) as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce in 2006, his son John in 1993 and his parents.A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Tom will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, October 1, 2016 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Neillsville. The Celebrant will be Rev. Varkey V. Joseph. Music will be provided by Vicente Cortez, organist and St. Mary's Choir. Military Honors will be performed by the Neillsville Veteran's Council. Interment will be in Milwaukee, WI. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Saturday, October 1st at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville, WI.Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Tom's family with Funeral arrangements.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 S. Grand Ave.Neillsville, WIUS 54456