Thomas S. Virlee, 66, of Sturgeon Bay, was called home suddenly on Saturday afternoon (July 28, 2012) while in the ICU of Ministry-Door County Medical Center.
He was born October 5, 1945 in Brussels the son of the late William and Anna (LeGrave) Virlee. Tom graduated with the first class at the current Southern Door High School in 1963. He continued his education at Milwaukee Institute of Technology and NWTC. Tom was a machinist working at PBI and Bay Ship until an injury forced his retirement from Bay Ship. On June 11, 1966 he married Karen Ann Corcoran at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Tom was an active member with St. Joseph Catholic Church. He served as Eucharistic Minister and worked for many fish fry’s and church picnics. Tom was a tenor and soloist in the church choir for 23 years. He was involved with the Koinonia Retreat Programs, and was a 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. One of his favorite things was making pan-E-cakes and bacon with eggs after church for his grandchildren. Tom enjoyed camping, bowling and riding his motorcycle. His favorite pastime was relaxing in his backyard with his dog Kashia while doing search a word puzzles.
Tom and Karen were foster parents for many babies and young children for 15 years.
Survivors include his wife, Karen of Sturgeon Bay; three children, Shawn Virlee, Kellie (John) Busch (and their children, Amanda, Spencer, Cameron Busch, Ashley Jerovitz, Erika Jorgensen), Allison (Ethan) Reed (and their daughter, Zowie Reed); one brother, Kenan (Jill) Virlee of Iowa; five sisters, Sr. Arlene Virlee of Manitowoc, Joan Mott of Green Bay, Mary Ann (Don) Englebert of Brussels, Madona Mahlik of Luxemburg, Theresa Stanul of California, three brothers-in-law, Lawrence (Kaye) Corcoran of Rosier, Patrick (Barb) Corcoran of Sturgeon Bay; Charlie (Char) Corcoran of Sturgeon Bay; one sister-in-law, Kathleen Corcoran of California.
Preceding him in death were his parents; two brothers-in-law, Lee Mahlik, and Robert Mott.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday (August 3, 2012) at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Robert Konkol OFM officiating.
Friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday (August 2, 2012) at Huehns Funeral Home and at the church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at 10:30 p.m. A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Thursday evening and a parish wake will follow at 7:30 p.m. at Huehns Funeral Home.
Memorials may be given in his memory.
Sign online guestbook and offer condolences at http://www.huehnsfuneralhome.com/.
