THOMAS J. TESS

      Thomas J. Tess, 81, of Burlington, passed away on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025 at 6:05 a.m. at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee.

Let me tell you about the greatest man we have ever known. Thomas Joseph Tess was one of the most selfless, compassionate, wise, and loving heroes of this world. He was born on March 25, 1943 in Burlington to Roman and Hazel (nee Piper) Tess. Three simple years into his life, he was lying in bed and felt a pain down his leg. He knew that he had Polio. Tom was the Wisconsin poster boy for Polio in 1948. He was quarantined from the rest of his family and spent months in the hospital for multiple surgeries, but he NEVER let polio define him.

Tom lived his whole life in Burlington with his siblings, Sally Weber, Charles (Diane) Tess, David (Jean) Tess, Deborah (Don) Smock, and Lawrence (Laurie) Tess. He caused mischief with his siblings in Burlington and on Uncle Roy’s farm. Music was part of his life. He played the accordion and loved Patsy Cline. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School and attended Dominican College in Racine. He met the love of his life, Jean V. Reimann and never let go. They were married on July 3, 1965.

Tom worked for Thorp Corporation where he became an industry leader in the heavy equipment auction sales. A tradition continued by other family members. Tom and Jean had Kevin Tess and Jodi (Joel) Doering. Tom became a pilot flying his family and friends in small planes around the area. He switched careers to be closer to home as a commercial loan officer and eventual Vice President of Johnson Bank in Kenosha. He served his community as a member of the Burlington Township Board. He was always giving to others. He helped with finances, wisdom, and time. He was a founding member of Love, Inc where he served on the board for 28 years. He continued to serve his community by becoming a part of the Boys and Girls Club where he was the big brother to Nick. He cherished his time with Nick doing various activities.

As his grandchildren Tess, Turner, Tenley, and Teagan Doering were born, he loved to watch their sporting events, swimming with them, teaching them pool, and woodworking with them. He perfected the fastest, coolest pinewood derby cars with his nephews. Tom was renowned for restoring antique furniture much of which he would donate to Love, Inc. He would often have friends, family, and neighbors lined up with projects. Adirondack chairs, tablets, dressers, piggy banks, and cribbage boards were presents from him. Whittling was another passion that produced beautiful projects.

Tom’s passions also included classic cars. Another tradition passed on to family members. His 1930 Model A Sedan, 1966 Mustang, and 1956 Ford Fairlane were prized possessions. He was a founding member of the Burlington Area Car Club. Tom and Jean enjoyed car shows and car tours with friends. Working and restoring cars with his son was one of his favorite memories. Kevin and Tom completely restored a 1930 Modal A pickup. He enjoyed traveling to the Kruse Classic Car Auction in Indiana with his brothers for 25 plus years. Most recently he traveled to Iowa, Nebraska, Michigan, Indianapolis, and Pennsylvania. He continued to give of himself by giving his pool table to his grandkids so he could teach them how to play. Most recently, he enjoyed his Thursdays with the boys in the garage playing cribbage, telling stories, and having lunch with his brothers and amazing neighbor Dan.

So dearly loved, so sadly missed.

The family would like to thank Tom’s niece Piper Bratz RN, Dr. Peter Massart, Dr. Robert Richmond, Mai Lutffiyya NP, Alaina Moran RN, Haley Chojnacki RN, Katie Edwards RN, Dr. Rodolfo Alpizar Rivas, and Pastor Javier Bustos from Our Lady Queen of Peace.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Big Brothers/Big Sisters or Love, Inc.

A funeral service for Tom will take place at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 at Schuette-Daniels Funeral Home. Relatives and friends can visit with the family from 4 until 6:45 pm. Burial will take place on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 11 a.m. in St. Mary’s Parish Cemetery.

Well-wishers may visit www.danielsfamilyfuneral.com.