Thomas S. Zuelsdorf, age 72, of Mayville, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving daughters and sister Heidi, on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Visitation for Tom will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025, from 9 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville with Rev. Dr. Mark G. Cutler officiatingContinue Reading
Thomas S. Zuelsdorf, age 72, of Mayville, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving daughters and sister Heidi, on Sunday, February 9, 2025.
Visitation for Tom will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025, from 9 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Mayville with Rev. Dr. Mark G. Cutler officiating with a memorial service starting at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Mayville with graveside military honors conducted by the Mayville American Legion Post #69.
Tom was born the second child of Rosemond (nee Metke) and Jerry Zuelsdorf on October 6, 1952, in Mayville, Wisconsin. He was united in marriage to Patricia Zuelsdorf on September 25, 1976, in Mayville, Wisconsin. Tom has missed Patti dearly since her passing in 2023 and is now reunited with her in heaven.
Tom is survived by his daughters, Nichole and Jamie, his two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren. Tom was grateful to be connected, in recent years, with his son Dave Andrews and 2 grandchildren. He is further survived by other relatives: Rosemond Zuelsdorf, Jim Zuelsdorf, Jill Borgardt (Craig), Heidi Luehring, his loving sisters-in-law Elaine Muche, Carol Bonner, brother-in-law Dennis Gremminger, and friends.
Tom was an intellectual man of few words. He most cherished the time spent with his two daughters and grandchildren, always making them feel loved and valued. Known for his gentle way of engaging people in conversation and witty sense of humor, Tom made friends easily. He could light up any room with his presence, often becoming the life of the party. His love for dancing and spinning his dance partner on the dance floor will be fondly remembered by many.
He found joy in reading history books, organizing his many hobbies, and listening to music, often content in the quiet moments these activities provided. Tom had a deep knowledge of geology, Native American studies, geography, and history. He enjoyed sharing his insights with others, enriching their understanding of the world. One of the highlights of his year was spending time at Camp with public school kids, known as “the rock guy,” or in recent years, visiting his grandchildren’s school to bring in his Native American artifacts and rock collections, where he made a lasting impact. Tom loved children and sharing his knowledge in a tangible way.
Tom will forever be remembered as a loving and caring man, whose warmth and wisdom touched the lives of many.
Tony Pezze
left a message on February 17, 2025:
I have great memories of from our childhoods growing up on Seitz Ave though I did get grounded more than once for the “fun stuff” Tom sometimes came up with. After he finished his military service in the 1970’s, he decided to attend UW Oshkosh where I was going to school. We roomed together for a while. What a blast we had. Tom sure new how to party as we all did back then. He was so much fun. In the short time he attended UWO., I think my stomach still hurts from all the laughing we did. Tom made an impression on so many people. He will be missed but the memories will be cherished forever. RIP Tom!
Neville and Mary Hynes, Galway Ireland
left a message on February 16, 2025:
Our sincere condolenses to Carol, Elaine and all the family on the sad passing of Tom. We always remember your great wit and humour when we visited Carol.
We are all thinking of you in Ireland.
Rest in Peace Tom.
Neville and Mary Galway, Ireland
Your friends and colleagues at ABB Inc., New Berlin, WI.
left a message on February 14, 2025:
Jim and Ellie Sokoly
left a message on February 14, 2025:
Nicole and Jaime, we are so sorry for your loss. We have some good memories. Wish we could be there to give you both hugs. You both are in our thoughts and prayers. With love!
Jan Kolek
left a message on February 13, 2025:
I am sorry for the loss of Tom and offer condolences to all family members. You are in our prayers.
Debbie Metke
left a message on February 12, 2025:
I've known Tom all my life, though I only lived around him until the age of 7. My brother and I remember the pet bunnies we had together and then Tom's first geology set, which led him to the hunt for multitudes of rocks, arrowheads and artifacts. He lent me his scuba gear after I went diving in Florida, inspired by "Jaws". The last years, Tom, Patty and I had rousing evenings discussing all that was going on in the world and he gave me his expert historical advice when I traveled to Germany 2 years ago. It seems he was a friend to everyone and was a man of deep intellect, belief and concern for life. Two weeks ago he kindly told me to call or visit at any time, though we both knew time was running out. Though he seemed to be rather private and shy, he and Patty both expressed so much love for their family. My deepest condolences to Nichole, Jaimie, Aunt Rosie, Jim, Jill, Heidi, and all who loved him. He believed in the afterlife and I'm glad he moves now to his next big adventure.
Perry Wm. Bell
left a message on February 12, 2025:
There comes a time when we all have to let go. However...we believe in a God who cradles us in His arms from the moment we are born and even passed the time when we leave this world and travel to the next. He has Tom in His hands now, and He will never let go!
Denise Runge Well
left a message on February 12, 2025:
Tom was a voracious reader when he was in grade school and high school. Those Zane Gray novels were perfect for him. The Zuelsdorf home was a haven for me. Many memories of the home on Midland. My heart breaks for Rosie but we share an enduring Faith and Tom was Baptized into the church.
Anonymous
left a message on February 12, 2025:
Mary Harper
left a message on February 12, 2025:
My sincere condolences to the family. My deepest sympathy to you Rosie.
Barbara (Metke) Levinson
left a message on February 12, 2025:
My condolence to the entire Zuelsdorf family
CRAIG BORGARDT
left a message on February 12, 2025:
As a brother-in-law living 90 miles away from Mayville I really only knew Tom from a distance. And I never saw him unhappy. He was a free spirit in this realm and now a completely free spirit owing to his faith and justified before God through that faith: Ephesians 2:8-9. I am thankful he knew and believed that and Tom now knows all of the answers to any of the questions he might have had. I am thankful for him introducing Jill to the music of Dan Fogelberg which she then introduced me to as well as a duck hunt on the marsh and him cleaning out the poker-playing party goers at my bachelor party. Tom faced his earthly end with dignity and a serene countenance made possible ONLY by his lifelong Christian faith an example we all would be blessed to follow.
Lisa Bronkhorst
left a message on February 12, 2025:
Sorry for you families loss
JoAnn Fischer
left a message on February 12, 2025:
Tom, Zany, is a part of my hometown memories. Bonfires on 'the land'', singing at the many part ies, and the laughter he and Patti would bring to any celebration and his remarkable arrowhead collection. Mayville has lost a true 'son'.
Rest in peace on your road to heaven.
Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Tony Pezze
left a message on February 17, 2025:
I have great memories of from our childhoods growing up on Seitz Ave though I did get grounded more than once for the “fun stuff” Tom sometimes came up with. After he finished his military service in the 1970’s, he decided to attend UW Oshkosh where I was going to school. We roomed together for a while. What a blast we had. Tom sure new how to party as we all did back then. He was so much fun. In the short time he attended UWO., I think my stomach still hurts from all the laughing we did. Tom made an impression on so many people. He will be missed but the memories will be cherished forever. RIP Tom!
Neville and Mary Hynes, Galway Ireland
left a message on February 16, 2025:
Our sincere condolenses to Carol, Elaine and all the family on the sad passing of Tom. We always remember your great wit and humour when we visited Carol.
We are all thinking of you in Ireland.
Rest in Peace Tom.
Neville and Mary Galway, Ireland
Your friends and colleagues at ABB Inc., New Berlin, WI.
left a message on February 14, 2025:
Jim and Ellie Sokoly
left a message on February 14, 2025:
Nicole and Jaime, we are so sorry for your loss. We have some good memories. Wish we could be there to give you both hugs. You both are in our thoughts and prayers. With love!
Jan Kolek
left a message on February 13, 2025:
I am sorry for the loss of Tom and offer condolences to all family members. You are in our prayers.
Debbie Metke
left a message on February 12, 2025:
I've known Tom all my life, though I only lived around him until the age of 7. My brother and I remember the pet bunnies we had together and then Tom's first geology set, which led him to the hunt for multitudes of rocks, arrowheads and artifacts. He lent me his scuba gear after I went diving in Florida, inspired by "Jaws". The last years, Tom, Patty and I had rousing evenings discussing all that was going on in the world and he gave me his expert historical advice when I traveled to Germany 2 years ago. It seems he was a friend to everyone and was a man of deep intellect, belief and concern for life. Two weeks ago he kindly told me to call or visit at any time, though we both knew time was running out. Though he seemed to be rather private and shy, he and Patty both expressed so much love for their family. My deepest condolences to Nichole, Jaimie, Aunt Rosie, Jim, Jill, Heidi, and all who loved him. He believed in the afterlife and I'm glad he moves now to his next big adventure.
Perry Wm. Bell
left a message on February 12, 2025:
There comes a time when we all have to let go. However...we believe in a God who cradles us in His arms from the moment we are born and even passed the time when we leave this world and travel to the next. He has Tom in His hands now, and He will never let go!
Denise Runge Well
left a message on February 12, 2025:
Tom was a voracious reader when he was in grade school and high school. Those Zane Gray novels were perfect for him. The Zuelsdorf home was a haven for me. Many memories of the home on Midland. My heart breaks for Rosie but we share an enduring Faith and Tom was Baptized into the church.
Anonymous
left a message on February 12, 2025:
Mary Harper
left a message on February 12, 2025:
My sincere condolences to the family. My deepest sympathy to you Rosie.
Barbara (Metke) Levinson
left a message on February 12, 2025:
My condolence to the entire Zuelsdorf family
CRAIG BORGARDT
left a message on February 12, 2025:
As a brother-in-law living 90 miles away from Mayville I really only knew Tom from a distance. And I never saw him unhappy. He was a free spirit in this realm and now a completely free spirit owing to his faith and justified before God through that faith: Ephesians 2:8-9. I am thankful he knew and believed that and Tom now knows all of the answers to any of the questions he might have had. I am thankful for him introducing Jill to the music of Dan Fogelberg which she then introduced me to as well as a duck hunt on the marsh and him cleaning out the poker-playing party goers at my bachelor party. Tom faced his earthly end with dignity and a serene countenance made possible ONLY by his lifelong Christian faith an example we all would be blessed to follow.
Lisa Bronkhorst
left a message on February 12, 2025:
Sorry for you families loss
JoAnn Fischer
left a message on February 12, 2025:
Tom, Zany, is a part of my hometown memories. Bonfires on 'the land'', singing at the many part ies, and the laughter he and Patti would bring to any celebration and his remarkable arrowhead collection. Mayville has lost a true 'son'.
Rest in peace on your road to heaven.
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