Tom Dretzka

Thomas Richard Dretzka, 69, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 8, 2018. He succumbed to anaphylactic shock caused by multiple stings from "ground bees" or yellow jacket wasps. His family was by his side as he passed.

Tom was born on September 23, 1948 in Cudahy, WI to the late Richard and Doris Dretzka. He graduated from the UW-Stout with a Bachelor's Degree in Education, Phi Sigma Epsilon. On June 28, 1975, Tom married his soulmate and best friend, Alice Wohlt. Together, they lived a life full of adventure and raised their son, Jonathan, in Green Bay. Tom loved his growing family and took great pride in his son's personal accomplishments and in his delightful grandchildren.

He enjoyed his cat, Cody, his English Springer, Annie, and meticulously tending his home, yard and pool. Tom had an extraordinary passion for fixing things and helping people, no matter what the task. He tirelessly cared for and supported his wife during her courageous and ongoing fight against pancreatic cancer. He was a gregarious outdoorsman with a great sense of humor who loved hunting and fishing, talking to all sorts of people, laughing with family and friends, grilling delicious meals, and finding peace while soaking up nature by the water. An enthusiastic conservationist, he avidly supported Trout Unlimited. For thirty years, Tom dedicated his work hours to selling heavy-duty trucks. Later he combined his sales skills and fishing passion to provide expert advice to outdoor retailer customers. Most recently he thrived in his "retirement" job at O'Reilly Auto Parts. He took great pleasure in spending time with his coworkers, including his dear friend Johnny Mendoza.

Tom is survived by his wife of 43 years, Ali; his son, Jonathon (Heather) Dretzka; 3 grandchildren: Isabella, Mason and Adelyn; sister-in-law, Ane (Wayne) Gardner; brother-in-law, Jack (Sharon) Wohlt, brother-in-law, Nick (Jan) Wohlt; sister-in-law, Barbara Wohlt; numerous cousins, nephews and nieces; and very close friends: Mike Sherman, Tim O'Connor, Ken Bonn, Dan O'Connor and Peter Schroeder.

Tom's Celebration of Life will be at Newcomer Funeral Home (340 South Monroe Avenue, Green Bay), Thursday, August 23, 2018 from 3 to 6. A memorial service will follow at 6 PM.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Tom's memory.

Tom's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the first responders, the Green Bay Metro Fire and Police Departments as well as the doctors and nurses at St. Mary's and St. Vincent Hospitals for their valiant efforts to save Tom's life.

To share a memory of Tom or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.