Racine – Tom Zuhlke, 85, passed away at Froedtert Memorial Hospital, Milwaukee on Thursday October 29, 2009.
Tom was born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin on April 20, 1924 to the late Theodore and Amanda (Schmidt) Zuhlke. He moved to Kenosha as a teenager and graduated from Bradford High School. He served our country in the United States Navy during World War II as a Pharmacists Mate in the Pacific. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1952 with a bachelor’s degree in Science and Education. In 1956, he received his Masters Degree in Educational Administration from Northwestern University. On September 9, 1990 he was united in marriage to Marybeth Safransky VanLanduyt. Tom lived in Racine the past twenty years.
Tom worked as a teacher, principal and Director of Governmental Projects in the Kenosha Unified schools for 37 years. He was an adjunct instructor at UW-Parkside for 9 years in the Teacher Education Department. In 1995 Tom was named honorary Principal of South Ocean International Schools in Datong and Taiyuan, China. Since 1990, he has become well known as a stained glass artist making over 400 original Illuminart pieces. His work is displayed in several churches, institutions, and private collections throughout the United States. Tom cherished his relationship with his wife, children, family, members of the Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church, and his fellow shipmates of the USS Solace.
Surviving are his wife, Marybeth Zuhlke; children from a previous marriage, Sally (Ken) Schaefer of Middleton, Jim (Kathy) Zuhlke of Pleasant Prairie, and Mark Zuhlke of Kenosha; step children, Kyle (Sarah) VanLanduyt of Prairie Village, KS, Ravi (Jessica) VanLanduyt of Litchfield, MN and JunJie (Jie Huang) Pan of Chicago, IL. He is also survived by his sister Carol (Jim) Jansen of Kenosha. Additional survivors include nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, relatives and numerous friends. He was also preceded in death by, sister Marion Loeffler; and brothers, Warren and Theodore Zuhlke.
A memorial service will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Monday November 9, 2009 at 1:00 pm with Rev. Dr. Tony Larsen officiating. Friends and relatives may meet with the family from 11:30 am until 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests the memorial donations to Olympia Brown Unitarian Universalist Church, John XXII Educational Center, or the Racine Literacy Council. Private interment will take place at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, Wisconsin.
The family wishes to thank the staff of All Saints Hospital and Froedtert Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care and support.
Kathy Zuhlke says
Tom was my father-in-law and the only grandfather to our boys Max and Evan. His presence in our lives is a gift that we will always cherish. We were lucky enough to have Tom at most of our family functions and celebrations. Tom shared his love of music with our children in ways too numerous to mention. This has enriched our lives immensely. Tom will live on in part through the music that our children now share with others. He will truly be missed in our family.
Mary Van Hout says
Sally, Ken, Marybeth & your families – I am so very sorry for your loss. A kind and gentle spirit graced this world with his presence and we are all better because we knew him. His memory will live on. My heart goes out to you.
Robert J. Safransky says
Dear Marybeth and Family, We were saddened when we learned of Tom’s passing. He had so many wonderful talents and ideas about how to make things better. I will never forget his beautiful glasswork that he made for us when we visited with you after that conference in Milwaukee. I put the glasswork in the window above the front door so that I see it every day whenever I go to the door. Tom will live on here as we thank the Good Lord for him. Tom had many great stories about growing up in his hometown which he would share with others. Tom could do many things but he will be remembered for always doing what was right! So long brother-in-law, you have left this world for a better life. Sincerely, Bob
Juel Liebke says
Dear Marybeth, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved husband. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. Hold close to your heart the wonderful memories that he shared with you. Prayers, Juel Liebke
Judy Safransky says
Dear Marybeth and Family All, In time, with many loving and happy memories of Tom, we will sweep up our hearts and put love away that we shall not want to use again until Eternity. Judy Safransky
Mark Safransky says
Tom was a great guy and it was a pleasure knowing him.
Charles M. Safransky & Family says
Dear Marybeth and Family, our families deepest sympathy on the news of Tom’s death. We bear your sorrow and we know Tom is now in Heaven
Cathy & Steve Whitsitt says
Dear Ken and Sal, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We know you have many wonderful memories of the times spent with your Dad, Sally. He was obviously proud of his family and of the bond the two of you had. In deepest sympathy, Cathy and Steve Whitsitt
Marshall & Becky Alwin says
We send sympathy to all those who loved Tom. He will live on in your memories and hearts and in all the ways he improved this world. Tom was a great guy and we were glad to know him and some of his loving family. You are a tribute to him.
Kitty & Blair Tyson says
We, too, will miss Tom
Nancy Mathews says
Marybeth and family–My heart aches for all of you at this time. I hope that your wonderful memories of such a terrific husband, father, grandfather will provide you comfort during your celebration of his life and the days ahead as you grieve his passing. My deepest and sincerest sympathies are with you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Linda (Zuhlke) Frederick says
Dear MaryBeth,Sally Jim, Mark and families. My sincere sympathy in the loss of your husband and father. Uncle Tom was a great man. When I was young I always remember looking up to him. He was so strong and always acccoplished so much. And that is what he did with his whole life. Again, I’m so sorry for your loss
Dee Miller says
Dear Marybeth and Family, My deepest sympathy on the news of Tom’s death. I so admired him as a boss for ten years-a job he did well! Peace be to him and to you! Dee Miller
jean prinslow says
Dear Marybeth – How I am grieving with you. Let’s remember all the fun times we had as the cousins all got together. That will sustain us all. God Bless you and yours. With love, Jean Prinslow
Jim Marescalco says
When Tom began teaching at Columbus school I had the fortune of having him as my teacher. He inspired me. Later in life I became a teacher and then a principal in the Kenosha school system where Tom and I became friends and colleagues. He was a wonderful man that continued to inspire me throughout my years in education. To Mary Beth, my dear friend, God bless you and your family. Heaven has received a loyal servant of God. He is about to create the greatest stained glass of all!
With love and sympathy.
Jim and Sharon Marescalco