Thomas A. Fields

Thomas A. Fields, 92, of Sheboygan passed away at St. Nicholas Hospital on September 27, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Born on March 5, 1932, in Sheboygan, he was a son of the late Peter and Pauline Fields. Tom attended Holy Name School and graduated from Central High School in 1952. He then went on to serve in the National Guard from 1950-1960.

On May 25,1974, he was united in marriage with Patricia Udovich at Saint Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church.

Tom was always busy, as a young man he worked at the Wagner Sausage Company. In 1959 he began his long career at Berkens Beeline in Sheboygan WI and on the side, he had a part-time welding business called Tom Fields Welding. Working two jobs kept him working late into the evenings and most weekends. In 1969 Al Berken made Tom his partner until Al’s retirement, when Tom would become owner of Berkins Beeline a well-known local auto repair business. He continued to build the business before retiring in 1995 and passing the business on to his son, Michael who retired in 2016 passing the business down to Tom’s grandson Tim Schmeiser.

After retiring, Tom enjoyed many summers fishing and camping at Lake Ellen. Blue gill dinners were a favorite. He was also known for the best and biggest campfires in the campground. Faith and family were so very important to Tom. He spent many years volunteering at Greendale Cemetery and on the grounds committee at SS. Cyril. He was always available to help his family who meant the world to him. The minute it snowed, he would fire up the truck and happily snowplow for family, friends and neighbors. Bowling was another favorite pastime, and he always smiled when he hit a strike.

A devoted member of SS. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church, Tom enjoyed serving in the Men’s and Ushers club. In years past he helped make the Parish picnics a success, selling raffle tickets and sharing a strudel with family. In winter he was part of SS. Cyril’s bingo family, working more bingo nights than can be counted.

Tom is survived by his wife Pat; son Michael (Linda) Fields of Sheboygan; daughters Sue (Dave) Kettler of Sheboygan Falls and Julie (Dave) Schlieder of Sheboygan; son-in-law Steve (Polly) Schmeiser of Sheboygan. Tom treasured his seven grandchildren who he loved dearly, Paul Kettler, Marie (Daine) Sikora, Zach Schlieder, Naomi Schlieder, Tim Schmeiser, Martha (Nic) Cox, and SJ Schmeiser; great grandson Justin Sikora and another on the way; sister Mary Radke of Sheboygan; and brother-in-law Jim Udovich of Elkhart Lake. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends all of whom will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Pauline Fields; in-laws John and Mary Udovich, youngest daughter Mary Schmeiser, brother Roger Fields, and brother-in-law Ralph Radke.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Tom is scheduled on Thursday, October 3rd, 2024, at 12:00 PM at SS. Cyril and Methodius, 822 New Jersey Ave., Sheboygan. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church from 10:00 AM until the start of Mass. Immediately following Mass Tom will be laid to rest at Greendale Cemetery.

A memorial fund has been established in Tom’s name in lieu of flowers.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Nicholas Hospital, Dr. S. Mark Bettag, and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their care and compassion.