Thomas J. Reynolds
1928-2023
Thomas J. Reynolds, age 95, of Dorchester, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2023 at the Marshfield Medical Center. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024 at Saint Peter Lutheran Church in Dorchester. The Rev. Shawn Andersen will officiate. Inurnment will follow at Dorchester Memorial Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome 9 a.m. until the time of the service Friday at the church.
Tom was born on Feb. 27, 1928, the son of Fred and Mary (Stelzel) Reynolds in Marshfield. After attending schools in Dorchester and Milwaukee, he worked for his father at the Bruckerville Cheese Factory, in the Town of Holton. Tom received his Cheesemakers license in 1949 and soon after his Cheese Grader license while at Richfield Unity Dairy. Because of his varied interests, his education continued throughout his life.
On June 30, 1951, Thomas was united in marriage to Elaine Sommer at Zion Lutheran Church in Colby. She preceded him in death on Sept. 1, 2018.
Tom joined Kraft Foods in 1955 as a Cheese Quality Specialist working with cheese plants in five midwestern states. He received the J.L. Kraft “Jade Ring” award in 1962 for expertise in cheese quality control and cheese manufacturing procedures. He assisted with setting-up and start-up of numerous new cheese plant operations throughout the U.S. Tom was a Cheese Procurement Manager working out of Green Bay and Chicago, retiring in 1992 after 38 years with the company.
Tom loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a founding member of the Midnight Riders Snowmobile Club which he helped organize in 1970. Tom was their first treasurer, served on the board of directors and was one of the original “Trail Captains”. He was an active member of St. Peter Lutheran Church including serving as an elder, the Dorchester Lion’s Club, held membership in the Dorchester Park, the Central Wisconsin Steam Engine Club and the NRA.
Tom enjoyed collecting and restoring antiques, snowmobiling, making firewood, cooking maple syrup, camping, dancing, playing cards with family and friends and an occasional game of golf.
Tom is survived by his three children, Clark (Suzie) Reynolds of Colby, Cindy (Chris) Christophersen of Dorchester and Cheryl Reinke of Medford; seven grandchildren, Corey (Kim) Christophersen, Joshua (Jenny) Reynolds, Dillin Christophersen (Jennifer Mollan), Jordan Reynolds (Sarah Foemmel), Angelica Reinke, Jacob (Shinae) Reynolds and Cheyenne Reinke; and 10 great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his sister, Mary Ann Meyer; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends and his beloved cat, Boy Reynolds.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Elaine; five brothers, Frederick, James, Alvin, Jerome and Theodore; three sisters, Violet Rajewskie, Grace Wetterau and Gladys Zettler.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Tom’s memory.
The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Dorchester is entrusted with the arrangements.
Family and friends may express condolences online at www.maurinaschilling.com.
Paid Obituary 146854
