Thomas T. Ziolkowski

Tom Ziolkowski, 77, of Oconomowoc, passed away on Friday September 14, 2018 surrounded by his family. Tom lost his wife Janice a mere two years ago on May 20, 2016. Since her passing, Tom fought through grief and loss every day without his life partner and endured health setbacks along the way. Despite a broken heart, Tom stayed strong for his family and continued the fight. Born on September 8, 1941 in Milwaukee, WI, Tom is the son of the late Thaddeus and Violet (nee Sokol) Ziolkowski. On April 27, 1963 Tom married the love of his life, Janice Olive. Shortly after saying “I Do”, Tom and Janice flew to Germany where they lived until October. They then moved to Texas and lived until the following April, when Tom was honorably discharged. They returned to their roots in South Milwaukee for many years, until they moved to and settled in Oconomowoc. Tom worked for United Parcel Service, going by the handle of “Nighthawk”, as a tractor trailer driver for over 30 years, until 1999 when he had a heart attack. Due to its severity, Tom retired early from UPS. Retirement was short lived, however, as he took a part time job working at the Piggly Wiggly close to home. Beyond the stocking shelves and bagging groceries, Tom loved the social aspect of working at “The Pig”. As a child, Tom spent summers with his Aunt Josie and Uncle Phil in Hayward, WI where he would fish morning, noon and night. He loved spending time with his cousins while doing his best to avoid the occasional “bear meeting” in the outhouse. His love for fishing and boating continued when he and Janice had children. Tom, Janet, son Brian and daughter Symantha spent many summers vacationing in Hayward and Minocqua. Fowler Lake in Oconomowoc was another special fishing spot with friends and family. Tom also enjoyed deer and squirrel hunting with cousins. Tom and his son Brian developed a special bond over target shooting, matches and leagues. They spent nearly 35 years visiting Fletchers in Waukesha where they both built strong lasting relationships with other men and women who have a deep appreciation for the sport. The friends that they made turned into a second family. Tom is survived by his son and daughter – in – law Brian and Crystal (Martin) Ziolkowski, Oconomowoc; daughter and son-in-law Symantha and Andy Massey, Green Bay; grandson Randy Ziolkowski and wife Brittney and great granddaughter Phoenix Ziolkowski, Oconomowoc; sister Joanne Jurena, West Allis, WI; many nieces and nephews and their families, cousins and their families, and Monty, Tom’s dog who was a loving companion and guardian. The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the entire ICU department at Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital. Thank you for being so kind to our Dad. Thank you, Pastor Kathleen King, for visiting Dad everyday while he was in the hospital. You provided him with comfort and peace through your conversations and prayer. Thank you, Lisa Dolan, of Pagenkopf for your kindness, professionalism, and thoughtfulness once again. Husband, father, brother, uncle, great – uncle, grandfather, great – grandfather and friend. We miss you beyond words. We know that your heart if full again now that you are with Mom. May you both be at peace and wrapped in each other’s arms. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 29, 2018 at Pagenkopf Funeral Home (1165 E Summit Ave, Oconomowoc). Visitation will start at 10 am until time of service at 12 pm. A private family burial will take place at a future date at Glenview Memorial Gardens in Ixonia.