Thomas J. "Tom" Jernstrom

ELKHART — Thomas J. “Tom” Jernstrom, 84,  passed away peacefully following an extended illness on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. at Greenleaf Living Center in Elkhart.

He was born Oct. 7, 1933 in Elkhart to the late Sven J. and Margaret (Myers) Jernstrom, and later married Jane L. Williams on May 16, 1954 in South Bend. She passed away in May of this year, after 63 wonderful years together.

Surviving is his daughter, Pamela (Larry) Holcomb of Osceola; daughter-in-law Brenda Jernstrom of Elkhart; sister Shirley M. Rzeszewski of South Bend; five grandchildren and a host of great and great-great grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews. Preceding Tom in death is a son, Jeffrey T. Jenstrom, and a sister, Anna Mae Smigielski.

Tom’s Celebration of Life Service, hosted by Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart, will be held  at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13, with visitation beginning one hour prior at 6 p.m.

Pastor Craig Duke of the Osceola United Methodist Church will officiate and cremation has taken place in accordance with Tom’s wishes.

Tom served as a communications Warrant Officer in the United States Army for 37 years, spending 18 months in Korea in 1956.

He also worked in payroll in the Civil Service for many years following his military career. 

He enjoyed working outdoors, watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune and singing in his church choir.

Memorial donations may be given to AseraCare Hospice.

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