Thomas Vincent Jez

Sep 6, 1949 -

Apr 11, 2023

Thomas Vincent Jez, "TJ," 73, of Eagle River, Alaska, died on April 11, 2023, at Kindred Hospital in Las Vegas, Nev. He was born on Sept. 6, 1949, in Ladysmith, Wis., the son of Joseph E. and Magdalene M. (Kurz) Jez.

TJ graduated from Ladysmith High School, class of 1967. He married Elaine Francis Smolka in Fox Lake, Ill., on June 28, 1975. They settled in Eagle River following their wedding and had two sons.

TJ was an active member of the Eagle River Lions Club, VFW Post 9785, a charter member of the Elks Lodge #2682 and an aux. member of the American Legion Post 33. TJ never met a stranger and was always up for a game of cribbage. He would welcome all into his home and gave without a second thought. His laugh was infectious; you couldn't help but find joy in his presence. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Elaine; son, Orrin; brother, Joseph Jez; sister, Rozanna Peterson; and brother-in-law, Theodore Smolka. He is survived by his son, Franklin (Jillian); and granddaughter, Lainey of Summerset, S.D.; siblings, Janette Neumann of Waupaca, Wis., John (Judy) of Tony, Wis., Elizabeth Larson (Jack) of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif., Richard (Sandy) Jez of Bruce, Wis., James (Pat) Jez of Sherwood, Ark., Gerald (Kristan) Jez of Chugiak, Alaska, and David (Pam) Jez of Bothell, Wash.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Carol Jez of Bothel, Tom Peterson of Ladysmith, and Cathy Smolka of Spring Grove, Ill.; as well as many much-loved nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life events are being planned for Eagle River and Ladysmith. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Eagle River Lions Club, P.O. Box 771046, Eagle River, AK 99577, in remembrance of TJ.