Jerome Trofka

Jerome “Jimmy-cowboy” Trofka, 81, was united with his Father, Mother and Sister on Sunday, May 5, 2013. He was born on May27, 1931 to John and Teresa (Kujava) Trofka. As a child, he lost two fingers in a farm related accident, but that didn’t stop him from accomplishing everything he wanted to do in life. He was a man of many talents, although he only attended school for nine grades, because of his Fathers health. He then helped his Mom operate the farm. When he was 18, he was drafted into the Army and became a medic, based at a hospital in Germany. After his discharge from the Army, he continued to work on the farm while being employed by Red Owl as a warehouse receiving clerk, retiring at age 55. Recently the family farm celebrated 100 years of being a farm. He enjoyed traveling, especially while stationed in Germany. He visited as many countries as he could. He traveled out west on many hunting trips. He loved to be outside in his “back 40” and enjoyed the deer that would come up to his truck. In later years he joined his cousins in owning a commercial fishing boat, which enabled us to have many family fish frys. He also enjoyed catching crayfish, which we all enjoyed eating. He loved his nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and always had candy treats for them when they were little. His workshop was always open to friends who stopped to have a beer, play cribbage and have great conversations. Before Saint Benedicts Church was built, our family belonged to SS Edward and Isadore Parish. Jerome was an Altar Boy for weekday and Sunday masses and always carried his Rosary in his pocket, he was never without it. He loved woodworking and made life size cows and calves which he displayed in his fields. He also made a life size Santa in his sled and reindeer. He was thrilled to see his witch on a telephone pole being nationally televised when the Packers played during Super Bowl XXXI. He made numerous wooden animals and other objects for his great nieces and nephews. Jerome is survived by two brothers and one sister-in-law Sylvester Trofka, Thomas and Carol Trofka, one sister and brother-in-law Dorothy and Michael McAllister. He is also survived by his 19 nieces and nephews, 42 great nieces and nephews and 3 ½ great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents Mary and Matthew Trofka and Jacob and Martha Kujava, sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Michael Christman, sister-in-law, Eleanor Trofka, nephew Ronald Trofka, nephew-in-law Robert Bisceglea, and godson Steven Zakowski. Gathering of family and friends will be held from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at St. Benedict Parish 3370 Deerfield Avenue W, Suamico. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Jerry Prusakowski officiating. Burial at St. Benedict Catholic Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established for the Alzheimer’s Disease Research. The family would like to thank the staff of Cardinal Ridge Residential Care Facility for the wonderful care they gave “Cowboy”. Also, a special acknowledgement to his nephew John and good friend Ralph Zellner for their many visits and support.

Jerome Trofka

May 21, 1931 - May 5, 2013