Thomas G. Stolzer, born October 16, 1945, passed away from a sudden illness on February 7, 2025.
He was born in River Aux Vases, Missouri to Raymond and Mary (Rigdon) Stolzer to which he was one of thirteen children.
He graduated from Ste. Genevieve High School in 1963. In July of that same year he enlisted in the Navy and served until 1969. During his service he was aboard the USS TICONDEROGA where he traveled to Japan and the South Seas. He was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Vietnam), and the National Defense Medal.
In 1968 he started working at Chrysler in Fenton, Missouri. When the plant shut down in 1982 he transferred to the Chrysler Plant in Belvidere, Illinois where he worked in the Body Shop and retired in August of 1998.
In 1972 Tom married Wanda (Rhein) Stolzer and they had a daughter named Tsipiora. Although he and Wanda divorced in 1982 they remained close friends until his death.
Tom was a very devoted St. Louis Cardinal fan and enjoyed talking baseball with anyone who would listen. He also enjoyed the Los Angeles Rams. He and his siblings bonded over the Cardinals.
Tom enjoyed Farmers Markets, going to garage sales and browsing Auctions where he was always looking for a bargain anywhere he went.
You could usually find Tom walking through Belvidere or riding his bike through town waving at just about everyone. He would give the shirt off his back and always helped his friends and neighbors. He was very family oriented and loved his daughter and grandchildren very much. He had quite a few friends that he met for coffee, breakfast or lunch. He was a very friendly person and was adored by anyone who got to know him.
He was survived by his daughter Tsipiora (Stolzer) Mowers and grandson Jayce Mowers.
We would also like to mention very close members of the family who Tom treated just like family, Tracy Lepping and Tyler Lepping. Siblings include, Jim and (Carol) Stolzer, Joan Gettinger, Margie and (Earl) Walker, Lorretta (Stolzer) Tucker Dan Grifford, Pat Reagan, Paul (Glenda) Stolzer, Cathy ( Jim) Donze, Mary (Tom) Schwartz, Mike and (Ann) Stolzer and many nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents Raymond and Mary Stolzer, sister and brother in law Marilyn and Dan Tarrelton, sister Bernie Freeman, brother in law Don Gettinger, sister Betty May Stolzer and grandson Bryent W. Smothermon.
Tom’s final wishes were to not have a service but to have a Celebration of Life in his honor which will be held Sunday March 9, 2025 at 1162 Butler Rd. Rockford, IL 61108 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers Tom’s would like donations made to the Bryent Smothermon PTSD Awareness Scholarship which is 100% tax deductible. It is awarded yearly on June 14 to veterans and or their families. Donations can be made to the Bryent Smothermon PTSD Awareness Scholarship.