Thomas "Tom" Zielonka passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 9, 2021 at the age of 69.

Tom is survived by his mother Christine, loving wife Nancy (Schaefer), sons Michael and James, sister Cristal, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and Granddogs. He is preceded in death by his father Richard and sister Eva.

Tom was born in London, England and moved with his parents to Chicago, Illinois at the age of 6.  He proudly graduated from St. George High School in Evanston, Illinois, studied finance while attending the University of Illinois at Champaign Urbana and earned a Masters in Business Administration from DePaul University. He married Nancy, the beautiful love of his life, in 1979. 

Tom was a dedicated Chicago sports fan of the Bears, Cubs, and Blackhawks, along with his alma maters Fighting Illini and Blue Demons.  Upon moving to Milwaukee, he adopted the Brewers and Bucks and reluctantly sometimes even the Packers.  Tom passionately followed his favorite teams, enjoyed watching their games, and regularly winning weekly football pools.   

Tom was a hard-working, loving, kind, and thoughtful man who loved to learn about WWII, the trains he grew up riding and working in his garden.  On nice days during the summer he could be seen riding his bike around the neighborhood. Chicago style hotdogs, steak, and deep dish Chicago style pizza were his favorite foods to share with his family and friends. Tom was a long-standing member of St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish in Milwaukee.

A visitation is scheduled for April 23rd at 11 AM - 12 PM with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 12 PM at St. Catherine of Alexandria, 8661 North 76th Pl in Milwaukee with burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, 7301 West Nash Street in Milwaukee.  Fr. Joe Jagodensky will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Tom’s life.

At the request of the family in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Vincent de Paul Society of Milwaukee at PO Box 26537, Milwaukee, WI 53226 or online at www.svdpmilw.org. Condolences can be sent to www.schmidtandbartelt.com. The family would like to thank everyone especially the nurses and therapists for their help, support and caring over the past few months.