Thomas W. Rzentkowski

Thomas Wayne Rzentkowski, age 65 of Amherst, WI, went to his heavenly home on February 6, 2025, surrounded by his family after a hard-fought health battle. Tom was born January 1, 1960, in Stevens Point, WI, the son of the late Victor and Lorraine (Kuffel) Rzentkowski. After graduating from Amherst High School in 1978 he joined the U.S. Army and was a tracked-vehicle mechanic before being honorably discharged in 1981. In 1982 he walked into Boss Hog’s in Amherst and found the love of his life, Peggy Jacowski, who he married on January 22, 1983. Tom worked maintenance at various places, retiring as an HVAC mechanic at UWSP in 2022. He could fix anything but the crack of dawn or a broken heart. He also farmed since birth, taking over the family homestead and raising cattle until his passing. Tom loved taking four-wheeler rides to check the crops and investigate new additions to the neighborhood. He enjoyed driving in demolition derbies, hunting, spending time with his grandchildren, sitting in the front yard watching cars drive by, and telling stories to anyone who would listen. He always said, “if you can’t dazzle ‘em with brilliance, baffle ‘em with bulls***” Tom is survived by his loving, devoted wife Peggy, five children; Cassandra (John) Barnhart, Josh (Amy Sylvia) Rzentkowski, Shane (Sarah) Rzentkowski, Michelle (Alex) Wardall, Ethan (Nicole Lepak) Rzentkowski: the lights of his life, his grandchildren (both bonus and biological); Eryn (Patrick) Schulfer, Autumn and Willow Schulfer, Meygan Lilla, Desi Glodowski, his hunting buddy, Grayson Rzentkowski, and his dziewczyna Lucy Wardall. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Anita Jacowski, his siblings, Jim (Jan) Rzentkowski, Linda (Jim) Froehlich, Judi (Mike) Schoch, sister-in-law Doreen Rzentkowski, half-sister Vicky, two brothers-in-law, Tom (Betsy) Jacowski and Mike Jacowski, as well as many nephews, nieces, and friends. Tom is reunited with his parents, Victor and Lorraine Rzentkowski, his father-in-law, Greg Jacowski, two brothers, Jerry and Randy Rzentkowski, sister-in-law Linda Rzentkowski, his beloved dog Buster, as well as his grandparents. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 Saturday February 15, 2025 at St. James Parish in Amherst. Visitation will be held from 9:00 until the time of mass and Burial will be held at a later date at St. James Cemetery. Jungers-Holly Funeral Home of Amherst is assisting the family with arrangements. Tom’s family would like to thank all of the doctors and nurses that helped keep him on the right track and in good spirits throughout his cancer journey. In lieu of flowers and tears, Tom would have much preferred that you do a shot in his honor. Na zdrowie!

Thomas W. Rzentkowski

January 1, 1960 - February 6, 2025