Thomas (Tom) Earl Jelinek, 68, of Rockton, Illinois passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, early morning of Wednesday, November 8, 2023 after a tough and brave battle with leukemia. His family is grateful the Lord came to take him home without fear and without pain.
Tom was born on June 24, 1955 in Reedsburg, WI. to Joseph E. and Ardith “Skip” (Gabbitas) Jelinek. He grew up on his family farm in Elroy, WI. and graduated from Royall High School in 1973. Tom went on to technical college, to become a diesel mechanic. He started at Allied Automotive Group/JATCO in Janesville in October of 1977, and retired in 2010. He also loved his work as a union representative. After retirement, he went back to work part time as a bus driver at Harlem Transportation Company, where he made many new friends.
Throughout his life, he enjoyed traveling, boating, and riding his Harley. Tom also loved gardening, especially his raspberry bushes. He was a man of few words, but when he did speak, you could count on it being sarcastically funny. The more he teased you, meant the more he liked you. He also enjoyed the little things in life, a cozy pellet burning fireplace, a good Packer football game, swimming in his pool and sweet treats and candy. He loved his family deeply, with spontaneous visits and trying to never miss an important event, even throughout his battle with cancer.
Tom is survived by his daughters, Heather (Dan) Hopp, Amie (Brandon) Spitson; step-daughter, Meghan (Jon) Schumacher; grandchildren, Sierra, Olivia, Lennon, Logan, Everett, and Adeline; brother, Randy (Linda) Jelinek; former wife and mother of his daughters, Jenny Jelinek; many nieces and nephews, and special friends, Delice Clewer and Blake Amerpohl.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Ardith; sister, Lynette Denman; twin-brother, Tim Jelinek.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to UW Madison Oncology Dr. Brunner and his nurse Hayley, UW Madison Inpatient nurses, Rylie and Caitlyn, Swedes Cancer Center (Rockton) nurses Sarah and Taffee, and Harlem Transportation company for all of the compassion and support they have shown.
