Thomas Joseph Zulke

Thomas Joseph Zulke, a beloved father, son and brother, passed away on Jan. 26 at age 27 as the result of a car accident. Thomas was born in Pomona, California, the oldest of three children to parents Marvin and Ernestine Zulke. Thomas had a natural gift for adding light to a room. His smile was a bright spot for those who visited his workplaces, most recently the Country Inn & Suites in Freeport and the Boco Gas Station in Orangeville. Thomas had many interests and hobbies. He appreciated expression through tattoos. Music was his passion, from high school Orchestra to creating his own songs ... with many trips to rock or metal concerts in-between. Above all, Thomas was a proud father to his 5-year-old son Spencer, who has the same dark hair and enthusiasm as his dad. Thomas was a graduate of Freeport Alternative High School in 2014. He was a best friend to many, and a dear friend to countless more. Always caring and thoughtful, Thomas was easy for people to gravitate toward, and trust. Thomas had an appreciation for cars, and especially enjoyed Corvettes. He loved Scooby-Doo. He rooted for the Chicago Bears and Milwaukee Brewers. He liked attending Wisconsin Badgers games as part of an annual family tradition. And, he loved activities with Spencer, including trips to the arcade. Thomas is preceded in death by: grandparents Ernesto P. Angulo Jr. and Bertha E. (Martinez) Angulo; great grandparents Zelba Ray and Russ Maxwell, and Clara and Carl Zulke. He is survived by: son, Spencer, and his mother, Nikki Steele; parents Marvin and Ernestine; brothers Ernesto and Ricky; grandparents Carl and Shirley; cousins Brian (Jenny), Nathaniel, Joseph, Ethan, Kailee, Jessica (and children), Martin Jr. (and children), Silvia and Marialuisa; uncles and aunts Brad (Lisa) Zulke; Susan (Robert) Hughes; Joe (Donna) Zulke; Rosie Angulo. The visitation is scheduled for Friday, February 10, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home in Freeport. The funeral service begins at 4 p.m. There is a GoFundMe (https://gofund.me/e0dbad7f) established in Thomas' name for funeral expenses, with any excess funds going into a trust for Spencer. Previous Events Visitation FEB 10. 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (CT) Burke Tubbs Funeral Home- Freeport 504 N. Walnut Street Freeport, IL 61032 https://burketubbs.com Loading map Funeral Service FEB 10. 4:00 PM - 4:45 PM (CT) Burke Tubbs Funeral Home- Freeport 504 N. Walnut Street Freeport, IL 61032 https://burketubbs.com Loading map