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Thomas Stell Obituary

Thomas Patrick Stell

1933 - 2017

Thomas Patrick Stell (Tom) passed away Dec. 16, 2017, surrounded by family, in Portland, OR, following a long battle with heart disease and dementia. He was 84.

Tom was born Nov. 21, 1933, in Milwaukee, Wis., to Florence and Gerritt Stell. He was the youngest of seven children. Mr. Stell attended Marquette University High School in Milwaukee, Wis., after which he attended Marquette University.

Tom entered the U.S. Army in 1954 and was stationed in Germany. Upon his return home he married Hilary Ambrose, they had seven children, and he worked in the restaurant business for 40 years, most notably owning The Windjammer in Kenosha, Wis. He retired to Portland, Oregon in 1999 to be near family.

Tom was a loving, patient and dedicated husband, father, brother, grandfather, and uncle. He enjoyed boating, golfing, skiing, family dinners, cooking his famous ribs, watching the Green Bay Packers, attending his grandchildren's various sporting events and graduations.

Tom is survived by his wife of 61 years, Hilary; their children (and their spouses): Thomas Stell, Patricia Stell Hawkins, Nancy Stell Villa (Manuel), James Stell (Cassandra), Mary Stell, Timothy Stell (Mary), and Mark Stell (Michelle Hartstrom); and 11 grandchildren: Ashley Clark, Hannah Hawkins, Tommy Villa, Hillary Hawkins, Michael Villa, Caroline Villa, Marcus Villa, Katherine Stell, Jonathan Stell, Michael Stell, and Carey Stell. He is preceded in death by his 6 siblings: Ruth, Dorothy, Jean, Katherine, Jerry, and Irene.

Tom will be buried at Willamette National Cemetery on Thursday, Dec. 28, at 12 p.m. His funeral was held Friday, Dec. 22 at 10 a.m. at Resurrection Catholic Church in Tualatin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Academy in Kenosha, WI. Hilary Stell can be contacted at [email protected]




To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Kenosha News on Dec. 24, 2017.

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2 Entries

M C

December 24, 2017

I am truly and deeply sorry for your loss. My warmest condolences go out to the family and friends of Thomas. May you find Comport from the encouraging words found at 1 Thessalonians 4:14

MARY DONOVAN

December 22, 2017

Whenever you were with Uncle Tom you were assured a good time. He was always genuinely glad to see you and made you feel welcomed, entertaining all with his stories and jokes. Our sympathies to his wonderful wife and family. Love, Mary Worm Donovan

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