Thomas R. Zittel, age 80, of Sheboygan, died on Sunday, August 29, 2021, at the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice with his daughter Jodi by his side. He was born in Sheboygan on May 25, 1941, the son of the late Raymond and Charlotte Schubert Zittel.
He attended local schools and graduated from Sheboygan North High School in 1958. Tom then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp. and served his country during the Vietnam War. He was also a sergeant in the National Guard for 13 years.
On January 14, 1977, he was united in marriage to Shirley Kolar in Las Vegas, Nevada. Shirley preceded him in death on February 21, 2007. Tom worked for Jim and Kathy Pawlak for over 20 years.
He was a past member of VFW Post 1230 in Sheboygan. In his later years he enjoyed riding his scooter through-out his neighborhood. Tom had a colorful personality, loved dogs especially his fury companion “Waylon” and socializing with his neighbors. He loved old cars and reminiscing about how Sheboygan was when he was younger. Tom adored his grandchildren and spending time with them on daughter Jodi’s farm.
Survivors include his two daughters, Jodi (Jesse) Freis, of Newton and Lisa (Chris) McKin of Lafayette, GA; grandchildren, Tristan Koss, Ryelee Reed, Fox Freis and Logan Bowling. Tom is further survived by his special friends, Jim and Kathy Pawlak and many neighborhood friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Shirley.
A funeral service for Tom will be held on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home, 1535 S. 12th Street Sheboygan with Rev. Donald L. Johnson officiating. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home on Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place at Wildwood Cemetery with Marine Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in his name. A heartfelt thank you is extended to Dr. Katie Gesch, the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice and Jim and Kathy for the compassion and care that was given to Tom. Tom fought until the end, like the Marine that he was. Semper-Fi!
Online condolences may be expressed at www.reinboldfh.com
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