Thomas E. Tafelski

Thomas E. Tafelski, 87, long-time resident of Chicago, IL, and Superior/Duluth resident the past six months, died on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at Diamond Willow Assisted Living in Duluth, MN.

He was born the son of David H. and Mary (Hankovich) Tafelski on October 11, 1936, in Green Bay, WI.

He graduated from high school in Mellen, WI and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Journalism.

Thomas served his country as a member of the U.S. Army. For over 40 years, he was a flooring manufacturer’s representative entitled Tafelskicoverup, serving the Midwest states.

Tom’s passion for history and travel took him to over thirty countries and had endless stories to share about those excursions traveling with his closest cousin, Richard Barnard. Two places he highlighted were Tierra Del Fuego, off the southernmost

coast of South America and Krakow, Poland. As a sports fan, watching the Chicago Cubs, Da Bears, and Wisconsin Badgers play, made his day.

Thomas is survived by his brothers Robert (Carolyn) Tafelski, Littleton, Co and Walter (Pam) Tafelski, Superior; nieces Mary Kay Jensen, Superior, Shelley (Shaun) Hughes Kavajecz, Superior, Tamara (Jeffrey) Rengel, Duluth, Lori (Cody) Hill, Colorado Springs, CO, and Stacey (Larry) Money, Fort Collins, CO; nephew David (Alex) Tafelski, Duluth; many great nephews and nieces and special cousins, Jeanne Ree (Robert) Cantu, Texas, and Steven (Mary Ellen) Barnard, Michigan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; uncles Michael Hankovich and George Hankovich; Aunt Helen Barnard; and cousin Richard Barnard.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Mellen, WI, on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, with visitation at 10:00 a.m., and Mass at 11:00 a.m. The internment with military honors, along with a Celebration of Life Gathering, will be held in Mellen in the summer of 2024. Date to be determined.

Tom’s family acknowledges the exceptional, loving care given to Tom by St. Louis County MN and Essentia St. Mary’s Medical Center (Duluth) hospice nurses and 5th floor med/surgical staff, and Diamond Willow Assisted Living.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 E. 5th Street, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.lenroot-maetzold.com.