Thomas G. Jenior

Thomas G. Jenior passed away peacefully at his home in Elk River, MN, on January 29th at the age of 91.

Tom was born in Akron, Ohio, on April 28, 1933. As a boy, he met the love of his life, Ruth Zrelak, and they were married in 1950 after graduating from St. Mary’s High School. Tom served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean War and with Ruth they raised five children. Following his USMC service, Tom was employed by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for 35 years in sales positions that moved him several times to PA, OH, and WI before settling in Elk River. During his career, Tom was twice in the national spotlight—first on the Today Show to discuss Goodyear balloons flown over NYC in Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and on Easter night 1965 when he was dispatched from Cleveland to Winona, MN, to divert severe flooding with Goodyear dunnage bags, saving much of the town and its residents.

Tom and Ruth loved spending time at their cabins in Nestor Falls, Ontario. We will fondly remember summer nights with a cabin full of friends and family for fish dinners, strawberry shortcake, and card games. Tom loved puttering at his cabin paradise. He took great joy in keeping old things running like new and sunset boat rides on the lake. He had an ear for music and taught himself to play the organ and accordion. He was the ultimate people person -- funny, generous, cheerful, and his door was always open with a fresh pot of coffee and a story ready to go.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth, after 57 years of marriage. He is survived by his children, Bob, Mike, Kathy, Jeff, and Peggy, along with seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on February 18 at Church of Saint Andrew in Elk River followed by burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 1:45 pm, Assembly Area #3 (please see additional instructions regarding the cemetery below) where Tom will be reunited with Ruth.

In lieu of flowers and to honor his older brother Robert, who was lost over France during WWII, donations can be made to:

The 464th BG Association, c/o TTS Terminals, Inc., 30257 Clemens Road Suite A, Westlake, Ohio 44145

The service was livestreamed from the Church of Saint Andrew.  Please click on navy blue link below to watch the service.   

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