OBITUARY: Thomas “Tom” Dvorak

Thomas “Tom” Dvorak, age 69, of Brillion, passed away on Friday, May 21, 2021 at Holy Family Memorial Medical Center, Manitowoc.

Tom was born on December 28, 1951 in Parkston, South Dakota, son of the late John and Mary (Pavur) Dvorak. He was a graduate of Brillion High School, class of 1970. He enlisted and served our country in the United States Navy as a Helicopter Mechanic, serving his tour at Pensacola, FL. During his tour, he married Linda Stenz on May 29, 1971 in Jericho, WI. The couple would have celebrated 50 years of marriage at the end of this month. Tom was a devoted husband and Linda was the love of his life. He adored her and they were two peas in a pod with their adventures in life. When apart he never departed without a kiss. Tom worked for his parents at Dvorak’s Hardware Store during high school. When he returned from the Navy, he worked as a diesel mechanic at a number of places including Saunders, Freightliner, Peterbilt, and Penske Truck until his early retirement. He was also a part time Realtor in Manitowoc County at Statewide Real Estate and through the years managed their rental property business.

Tom loved life. He always wanted to go somewhere and never let his health obstacles interfere. He was a motorcycle and fast car enthusiast who enjoyed a day ride or cross-country trip. Other passions included: fishing, hunting, stock car racing and watching NASCAR. Tom was very handy and could fix anything and tried too. Above all of his passions nothing came close to how he loved his family. Tom would never miss a sporting event for his children or grandchildren’s play, concert, or show. He would never miss an opportunity to say hello to someone even if it was just a quick visit and would be the first to belly up to the card table for a hand or two in poker.

He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Linda of Brillion; their children and daughter-in-law: Brenda Dvorak of Denver, CO and Brian (Rebecca) Dvorak of Kaukauna; grandchildren: Korbin, Kalon, Ahnya, and Nyah; his cat, Aldo; his fur-grandbabies: Miles and Mbali; his siblings and in-laws: MaryAnn (Wil) Painter, Suzanne (Lloyd) Steiner, Kathleen Grande, Charles (significant other Barb) Dvorak, Dan (Carol) Stenz, Jean (Tom) Danor, Steve (Christine) Stenz, Sharon (Pete) Rosenow, Nancy (Ron) Woelfel, Gerry (Karen) Stenz, Karen (Tony) Butkovich, Ann (Tim) Knoespel and Mark (Diane) Stenz., nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Jerome and Gertrude Stenz, one brother: John Dvorak, brother-in-laws: Wayne Stenz, Robert Grande, Rick Stenz, niece and nephew Charlene Dvorak and Matthew Dvorak.

Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at Pielhop Wieting Funeral Home in Brillion. Officiating will be Deacon Greg Van Thiel. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday morning from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

Online condolences may be made.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org), American Legion (legion.org) or Freedom Service Dogs (freedomservicedogs.org).

A sincere thank you to Fresenius and Holy Family Hospital’s care team for our fathers' care during and at the end of his life.