Thomas Harry Mielcarek, Sr.

  MOUNT PLEASANT – Thomas H. Mielcarek, Sr., 68, passed away July 29th, 2013 peacefully (in his sleep) at his home in Racine, Wisconsin.

   Thomas (Tom) was born on March 21st, 1945 and raised in Racine, Wisconsin by parents Harry & Irene (nee Bado) Mielcarek.  Tom attended St. Stanislaus Parochial School and later graduated from St. Catherine’s High School Class of 1963.  After high school, he attended Spencerian College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he was a member of Pi Rho Zeta Fraternity before being inducted in the United States Army.  Stationed in Frankfort, Germany, he served in the 513th Military Intelligence Group from 1966 to 1968.  After his honorable discharge, he returned to Racine and began what would be a 38 year career at SC Johnson & Son.
   Tom enjoyed deer hunting & the outdoors.  He was an active coach not only for his own children but served as coach for both RASA (Racine Area Soccer Association) & RCYSA (Racine County Youth Sports Association), was past President of the Little John’s Archery Club at SC Johnson & Son, & was a life member of the American Legion Harvey Funk Post 494 in Caledonia where he served on their honor guard.
   After his retirement, Tom became an active figure in the St. Catherine’s High School Alumni Association where he was proud to be a “Charlie’s Angel”.  He was known to sneak in a round of golf or take a trip up to his cabin in Necedah, WI in between the numerous odd jobs he volunteered for and was a part of.
   Tom is survived by his son Major Thomas H. (Jennifer) Mielcarek, Jr., USAF; daughter Tracy L. Mielcarek (Eric) Melger; grandchildren Mason & M,adelynn Mielcarek; his brother, Robert Mielcarek; stepson, SMSgt Andrew (Jamie) Przytarski, USAF retired & family, aunts & uncles, nieces & nephews, cousins, & friends.  Tom was preceded in death by his former wife, Jean (nee Woodard) Mielcarek; parents, and brothers Harry & Kenny Mielcarek.
   To family, friends, colleagues, & fellow men at arms, Tom will always be remembered not only for being an exceptional father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, co-worker, & soldier, but also for his loyalty, strength, dependability, punctuality, willingness to help others, and for his caring nature throughout his life.
   Family and friends are invited to meet in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Sunday afternoon for a visitation from 3-5 p.m.  The celebration of his life and funeral Mass will be held at St. Sebastian Catholic Church (3126 95th St. Sturtevant) on Monday, August 5, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating.  There will also be a visitation in the church on Monday from 10-11 a.m. His interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Caledonia with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to St. Catherine’s High School Alumni Association.