Thomas Wayne Werlein

Thomas Wayne Werlein, born March 21, 1951, in Mondovi, Wisconsin, passed away on November 20, 2025.

A lifelong resident of the Mondovi area, Thomas attended Mondovi High School and graduated with the Class of 1969. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country in Germany and Vietnam until 1972.

Upon returning to the United States, Thomas married, and two children, Julie Werlein and Joshua “JJ” Werlein, were born to this union. He spent his early working years at Fehr Concrete in Eau Claire, WI before joining Pope & Talbot. Thomas later continued his career at Presto, where he served as a Shipping Supervisor until his retirement.

In August of 1985, Thomas married Norma Zingsheim at Our Saviors United Methodist Church in Mondovi, beginning a new chapter marked by companionship, devotion, and shared commitment to family.

Tom loved life to the fullest. He enjoyed camping and a good cold Old Milwaukee Blue. He was a true connoisseur of food and was known to boast about his charcoal chicken, claiming it was always “better than (his brother) Jack’s!” He loved to cook stir fry and venison stew for family gatherings, dishes that were always met with compliments for the chef. And of course, the best part of the meal—especially for Tom—was dessert, with leftover desserts being his favorite treat.

Tom was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. He loved to socialize and kept an open invitation to gather in his garage on Mondays. If no one stopped by, he would head out on his side-by-side to find a neighbor or family member to chat with. He often drove out to his nephew’s farm—the “zoo”—looking for humans or dogs to take for a quick ride. He was dedicated to helping others and especially enjoyed assisting with tying bologna rings.

Thomas is survived by his children: daughter, Julie, and her children, Larry and Baylee; and son, Joshua “JJ,” and his son, William. He is further survived by his siblings: Mike, Ronnie, Jack (Connie), Shelly (Dennis) Teigen, and Shari; along with several nieces, nephews, and an entire network of close friends.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence “Red” and Shirley (Eastman) Werlein; his wife, Norma; his brother, Darrell; his sister-in-law, Betty; and his father- and mother-in-law, Lawrence and Mavis (Kolden) Zingsheim.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Talbot Family Funeral Home in Mondovi, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. A memorial service will begin at 2:00 PM, with two hours of visitation prior. Burial will follow immediately after the service at Riverside Lutheran Cemetery in Mondovi, with full military honors.