Thomas Wayne “Tom” Zagrodnik

Thomas Wayne “Tom” Zagrodnik, 81, of Grafton, Wis., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Aug. 10, 2024.

He was born in Milwaukee to Stanley and Genevieve (Gorecki) Zagrodnik on Sept. 14, 1942.

Tom graduated from St. John Cathedral in 1961, where he excelled in football and earned the Milwaukee Journal Honorary All-Star Team Catholic Conference Award.

After graduating, Tom attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he continued his football career. Tom had offers to play elsewhere but stayed close to home so his parents could watch him play.

At Whitewater, Tom starred at football and was an All American, All Conference and All State player. Being the humble man Tom was, many don’t know of the plaque with his name on it in the Whitewater locker room. Long after his college days Tom continued to attend football games and enjoyed rehashing the game with friends he played with as a Whitewater Warhawk.

On June 5, 1965, Tom married his college sweetheart Karen Nelson and together they had two children. They recently celebrated 59 years of marriage.

He proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserve for six years and was honorably discharged.

Tom worked at Miller Brewing in the Brew House for 26 years and retired at the age of 55.

He was a member of St. Joseph (Joe’s) Parish Catholic Church.

Tom loved to be outside and enjoyed listening to polka music in his garage, even in the winter. He was Polish and proud of it. He was a member of the WI Polka Boosters and even traveled to Poland with his cousin.

Wintering in Florida with his wife Karen was a fond memory of his and he looked forward to it each year.

In his free time, Tom took pleasure in woodworking, making his children beautiful corner cabinets to treasure.

Tom is survived by his wife Karen; children Jacqueline and Michael (Binger) of Plymouth, Minn., and Frank and Natasha Zagrodnik of Flowery Branch, Ga.; grandchildren Zachary Binger, Isabella Binger, Stanley Zagrodnik and Harrison Zagrodnik;  and sister Susan (George) Hill of Kewaskum, Wis.

He was preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Genevieve Zagrodnik.

A Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at St. Joseph Parish in Grafton, Wis., (1619 Washington St.), with Father Timothy Schumaker officiating. Visitation will take place from 10:30 a.m. until the Mass. Lunch will follow at the Rose-Harms American Legion Hall.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Heart Association.

Our family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Scott Jorgensen for the wonderful care and friendship he and his nurses provided to Tom over the years.

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.