James Tetzlaff Obituary

Still missing you Jimmy. It has been 15 years. Rest in peace. We have a new little one -Maisee May. She will be one years old already on May 8th. Love Joyce.

Hi Jimmy-

you will always be loved here on earth-

15 years ago on this date April 17, and time, family and friends were all gathered in your hospital room as we sang songs you loved and told "Jimmy stories" of you impacted our lives-

I´m hoping that heaven is good to you and that you´re with your mom and dad and your aunts and all who have gone before.

I´ll always love you- I´m doing well, and I´m an deeply loved by Don- who I am CERTAIN was "nudged" to "wink" at me so I could start a new life with him.


Love,
Judy

Happy Heavenly Birthday Jimmy-

I hope there is a. Birthday cake for you in heaven and that you are with your dad and mom.

You will always be loved here on earth, and you are missed.

Hey Jimmy, Kristen and Brian had their baby the other day. She's beautiful and she will grow up not knowing her amazing great uncle Jimmy... But we'll all try to play PLENTY of music for her to enrich her life with great music. You are greatly missed. You've been gone for 14 years and 24 days. You are loved and remembered every one of those days. I hope that heaven is good and you've found your mom and dad and all of the others that we all miss here on earth. Much love, Judy

He is still so very missed. Last month I rocked & sobbed in the bath tub listening to The Album America. In the car I cried out in pain listening to Cat Stevens “Tea for the Tillerman. I was not able to listen to music until recently because I had to stay numb for my sanity. I love you Jimmy & I know you are still with me. Judge not unless you be judged I say to those who turned their backs. Only the Lord God Almighty can judge. I think of you always but especially with musical notes.

My dearest Jimmy,

It's 10:31 in Chicago, and 10 years ago at this time, we were all gathered in your hospital room at Lutheran General to be with you and celebrate your life as your time on earth neared the end.

It's still hard to believe. It both seems like it happened yesterday and it feels like we lost you eons ago.

Jorge Meraz graduated from the Chicago Police Academy today and I know you are proud of him, as I am.

He realized his long time dream!

I am proud of many of those kids we mentored in their younger years.

I am happy. Don't worry about me. And I will ALWAYS hold you in my heart and remember the love and life that we shared.

Love,

Judy

Dear Jimmy,

It's almost 10 years since you left us. I have music on my iPhone from our old iTunes library that often plays spontaneously when I start my car, and I think of you. That's still music that you loaded into iTunes. I've not changed the library except to add more music.

I fondly remember that last trip you and I took up to visit with the fishing trip crowd at Sandy & Len's in Ft. Atkinson on February 28, 2009. It was a beautiful but very cold and sunny day. You went outside for a walk by yourself and I remember when I went out that there were little frozen patterns in the ice near the river.

That's the day that Joe asked me to take a photo of you and him together.

That's one of the best photos of you that I ever took.

Just 5 weeks later, on 4/4/09 I took photos of you as I was testing that lighting setup for Saturday night portrait gig we did in the burbs.
When I looked at those photos after you died, I never realized how thin you had gotten in such a short time.

And then your last Easter on Earth at Denise's house the week before you died, when her dog Sadie ate all of that Easter basket chocolate and we al thought that Sadie was dying.

You went out to the garage and spent time with Sadie, comforting her, and then she vomited up ALL of the chocolate "poisoning' and was revived. I remember sending emails telling people about our "Easter miracle". Afterwards, I felt like you were trading your life for hers....

I'm Okay Jimmy. And I'll always miss you and love you.

And I STRONGLY believe that you "nudged" me along to date the wonderful kind man, that I married in 2014. Thank you for "passing me along" to Don, my beloved husband.

Hugs always..... BTW: Greta is still here on earth with us, but she's over 19 now, and one of these days, she'll probably "show up" in heaven to be with you.

hey cousin, i see by the posts as in life and now in his life you are truly loved. one happy thought when you closed your eyes here your Dad was there for you & likewise for your Mom. your sisters are sweet to carry on your legacy as is Judy. May you rest in eternal peace.

Hey Jimmy,
This week so many of us were thinking of you. Last month I started listening to one of the C/D's you made me. Of course I hear your voice. Music so many times brings me right to you. Sometimes I don't want to listen but other times I feel I should listen & remember the good times we had listening to artists. I will always be grateful to you for introducing me to so many bands. I am also so proud that I sometimes introduced you to a certain band & your delight was rewarding to me. Also years ago you & I were probably one of the first people to really love the Game of Thrones novels. I remember bringing you one of the books that had just come out. Then after you were gone I was on my computer I was amazed that HBO was going to make a series. I said to you - I will watch for you Jimmy but I can't possibly imagine how they will be able to do justice to his novels. Well Jim it has become a world wide phenomenon! Yes the writers changed it up but they have done an amazing job. You like me would be peeved that his last books were not published & we don't know his true ending. I have been told he has given over his notes to the writers of the series. Remembering how long it took him to write the next book....years!! Well he missed his publishing dead line but I believe he is busier than ever because of the series.

You were an amazing person in so many ways. The best of us in many ways. You lived life! You were always doing something & engaging in others lives. You had so many friends.

Judy misses you as she always will.

Johnny called yesterday & he was missing his brother!

You know. Miss you Bro! You were to young but only God knows our appointed time. You told me you were tired & I knew what you were telling me. It is hard to let go but we must. You are here with us in our memories & you touched my life & I hope I made a difference in your life. Rest In Peace & if God allows I will see you again.

One more thing when I am having a computer problem I say help me Jimmy and I know you are there because I seem to slow down & figure it out like you were right there.

Dear Jimmy,
Well, it's been 9 years since you slipped away from this world to go to your new home in heaven.

I pray that you are healthy and happy and without the pain and suffering you had here on Earth.

We all miss you, but we hope you're with your mom and dad, and the others who have gone.

I'll always miss you, and I'll always love you.. After all, we almost grew up together cuz we met when we were in high school.

I'm okay, and I'll always hold you in the corner of my heart.

I know you are nearby wheneve I hear birds like the ones I heard as I was driving home alone from the hospital the morning you died.

It's still hard to believe that you're gone.

Dear Jimmy;

You are missed dearly as we reflect on our loss of you 8 years ago. We lost you much too soon.

The courage with which you faced your disease still inspires me. Please send down your blessings to us as we face these trying and dangerous times. As Judy says, our hope is that you are at peace and reunited with all our family and friends that are no longer with us.

The songs of the birds, the Florida sunshine, The music of the Beatles and so many other artists, homemade spaghetti sauce and fried chicken, I-phones, MACs, Game of Thrones, old really big Chryslers and really big speakers; just to name a few of the things that bring back wonderful memories of you and those precious moments of life when time/place/experiences merge to create everlasting bonds.

May your spirit stay strong in us. Love, Janet

Dear Jimmy,

You left this world of Earth 8 years ago today. We all love and miss you. It was hard to see you go, since we kind of "grew up" together since we had know each other since high school.

I remember fondly all of the music of our younger years, the parties, concerts... That's probably one of the things that I miss the most. I don't have anyone who loves music as much as you in my life, so I don't have anyone who introduces me to new music.

I remember the birds singing in the trees as I drove home alone the morning that you died. When I hear those birds around me now, I feel that you are near.

So much has happened since you left. I pray that you have found your mom and dad, my parents, your cousin Mark, all of the friends that we lost, everyone.

I hope that heaven has good fishing, sunsets, warm sunny days, music, friends that are no longer here...

Be at peace, and know that you will always be loved.

Judy

Dear Jimmy,

Today, January 11, 2017, you were born 63 years ago.

I hope that there's cake and ice cream in heaven and that you are celebrating with your mom and dad and your aunts..

Do you remember when we would hear the Beatles song "When I'm 64", that we promised that we would sing it to each other when we each turned 64??

Well, I turned 64 almost 3 weeks ago, and I sung it, but you weren't here to hear it

Happy Birthday Jimmy. I will always love you and hold you in the corner of my heart. You are missed.

Judy

My wonderful brother. I will always miss you. I know you touched many lives. You did so much good here on earth. I watch the beautiful DVD Judy made from time to time to hear your voice. I am so thankful that I got to spend much more time with you the last years of your life. I just become numb when things actually happen but as time goes by I feel the loss of those I loved. Mom is gone now. She cried for you and it was heartbreaking. I cry. You said you were tired..now you are not suffering. Rest in Peace.

I remember the day we went to get our I-phones and it is because of you that I finally got one. You were tired that day but you made it through the line. I still have that phone and I call it my Jimmy phone. It is precious to me because of that memory. I love you Jimmy and thank God for giving me a brother like you and for the time we had together. Love always.

Joyce

My dearest Jimmy, We lost you 7 years ago today. We will always miss you and love you.

I hope that you have been able to spend time in heaven with Mom and Dad. I know that Mom was heartbroken after you died.

And then we lost her..

Her ashes were interred with Dad's, and I plan to sprinkle some of you ashes on their grave in St. Adalbert's Cemetery.

Keep on, keeping on. I've learned to live and love again. I feel that YOU are responsible for "sending" me to the arms of my sweet and kind husband Don. We lost Don's brother Rick last September, so if you happen to meet Rick in heaven, please get together and have a beer and go fishing together.

Rick is easy to spot. Just look for the bald guy with overalls and tattoos on his head. Tell Rick that Don and I say "HI".

I will always love you Jimmy, and you will "live" forever in a corner of my heart

Judy

My dearest Jimmy,

We lost you 5 years ago. It seems like yesterday, yet it also seems like a very long time .


I hope that Mom has found you, since we lost her 7 weeks ago.

We know how much she wanted to see your dad and you.

I asked Mom to tell you that I'm doing well, that I am getting married again in 3 weeks to my wonderful kind Don!

Mom was so loving and accepting of Don, and I am pleased and proud to remain close to your family! I am very fortunate.

I'm okay.. Be at peace, and know that you are always loved and remembered,,

Life goes on..

I will always love you in the corner of my heart.

Oxoxoxox,

Judy

My Dear Jim,

It's almost 8 years since you were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and I now remember those days leading up to your diagnosis as the last "normal" days in our life together. Apparently, you "knew" something was wrong, because you WILLINGLY went to the doctor. I used to have to BEG you to go to the doctor when something was wrong. And your doctor ordered a gall bladder ultrasound, and that took a LONG time, so I was worried.. But I still thought that it was just a gall bladder problem. I will ALWAYS remember that fateful day in October when you called me and told me that the doctors suspected that you had pancreatic cancer.. And our lives "crashed" around us. You fought and you fought but in the end, you were meant to move on to the next life. Be at peace, my sweet Jimmy.

I'm doing well!! I think that you would be proud of me, and all I've learned and how hard I've worked to regain a sense of joy in my life.

And thank you very much for "sending" my sweetheart Don to me!!! He's a wonderful, kind, loving and considerate man. He has those wonderful qualities in common with you!

Much love,

Judy

Judy
was doing research for family on ancestory & I found my cousin Jim has passed. I am truly sorry for his untimely passing. tell Aunt Franny I think of her often.

My dearest Jimmy,

I had a tough time today, because today would have been our 35th wedding anniversary. I will always miss you and our life together.

I am SO glad that we had that 30th wedding anniversary party for ourselves. I am so glad that your cancer was operable and that we were able to get to 30 years. It was fun, and it was hard. We had good times and bad times and I would NOT have changed a single moment.. The good times were wonderful and the tough times helped us both to appreciate each other. That's what love is all about.

I love you in the corner of my heart, and I will always love you. You were my FIRST love, but not my last love....

Thank you for "sending" my sweet gentle Don to me, to share my life..... I look forward with great excitement to our new life together as Don and I prepare to be married next year.

Jimmy, I will always treasure our life together. Thank you for being authentically YOU. Thank you for all the music that you introduced me to. There is ONE thing that I do NOT understand.. How come you didn't get any "Sister Hazel" music?? I met Janet and Joyce and Kristen at a Sister Hazel concert, and figured that this was music that you would have had in our iTunes. I SEARCHED our iTunes libraries.. NO Sister Hazel?? I surely don't understand, and neither did your sisters!!!

I spent today, July 29th, with your mom, which is very appropriate. She's still struggling since her hip replacement surgery, but with the physical therapy and a lot of love, she'll be better and happier. We all love her very much.....

When I got to Janet's house, Jax wouldn't stop barking at me. MOM and I both think that he's still looking for you. He senses your continued presence and he wants to greet you. She says that he doesn't bark like that for ANYONE else, just when I come and he senses you.

Hugs to you my Jimmy, enjoy your New Life in heaven..

your loving wife,

Judy oxoxoxoxo

My Dearest Jimmy,

I't been 4 years today.

You went to your new home in heaven 4 years ago.
You are truly missed.

I will always hold you in the corner of my heart. I am okay, I'm doing well. Please hold us in your prayers as all of us struggle in many ways.... Your mom truly misses you the most.. HUGS!!

your loving wife,

Judy

My dear Jimmy,

In one week, it will be 4 years since you left this earth for your new life in heaven. I hope by now that your Aunt Marge found you. We lost her, and Megan and Shane are orphaned AGAIN. We lost your cousin Laurie last May and Aunt Marge really had a hard time. Then one Sunday morning, Aunt Marge just didn't wake up after sitting down on the couch.
We miss you. We will always miss you. Please be happy and healthy. I AM okay. Maybe you remember your final hours in the hospital. I kept telling you that it was "okay" to let go. I told you over and over again that I loved you, and that it was "okay" , and that I'd "be okay". I didn't believe it for a long time after you died. But I do feel that "okay" now. I will always love you and miss you. You were my first REAL love. Be at peace.. oxoxoxoxox

your wife,

Judy

Happy Birthday Jimmy!! You would have turned 59.

I still have a hard time knowing that you're gone. But I know that you are healthy and happy again, and that makes me smile. I know how hard life was for you that last 4 months. I'm so sorry that you suffered so much. I will always hold you close in my heart.

I went to Mom's and Janet's on Sunday to honor your birthday with them. I took a cherry strudel from Laramie Bakery. You know how much your mom loves her sweet treats. I took a photo of Mom and Janet and Kelly. Jax is ALMOST in the picture. He still looks for you. He comes up to me on the couch and looks at me as though he's saying "well, where is he?"

Your mom has to go for oncology consults this week, and we are hoping that she won't have to do chemo or radiation. She wants to "stick" around down here for a few more years. I think that she wants to see Kelly graduate from college. We are all proud of Kelly and Kristen.

My sweetheart Don and I are doing well, and our relationship grows stronger every day.

Please watch over all of your family. WE all miss you and will always love you.

Please tell God that your mom needs to stay with us for a while yet.

Look down on us and know that you are loved and that we are well.

Please help Joyce as her docs try to work our her medication levels.

Hugs to you, my first love........

your wife,

Judy

My dearest Jimmy,

It's yet another Christmas without you on earth. This is my 4th Christmas without you.........

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you in your heavenly home.

I hope that you've found your dad, and our other family and friends in heaven. I hope that you are happy there, and enjoying your life in God's absolute love.

I miss you. I'll always miss you. I'll always hold you dearly in my heart.

It's okay.. That's what I told you as you slipped away from me.

I kept saying "it's okay... I'll be all okay" as I held you..

At that time, I was hurting very much, but I knew that the most loving thing that I could ever do for you is to let you go peacefully.

I knew that you were dying, and were going to leave me whether I wanted you to go or not...

But I had to let you go, so you could slip away and be well again.

I'm so sorry that you suffered so much. You were so brave, and I know now that you didn't want us to hurt when you were gone. You were so worried for all of us.... And we all miss you... and tell "Jimmy stories" when we can.

Be at peace, and please know that I am happy and well and enjoying a wonderful loving relationship with my sweet Don.

I believe that you sent Don to ME, or sent me to DON.

We're very happy together! We love each other very much and hope to have a long and wonderful life together. I'm so pleased that we found each other!!!

Don is a wonderful, kind, thoughtful, fun loving, and considerate man. You would like him very much! Don is
what you and I used to call "very good people".

Be at peace, my husband, my first true love. You will always live in my heart and my memories.

And in the end
The love you take
Is equal to the love you make.

your loving wife,

oxoxoxoxoxoxoxox,

Judy

My Dear Jimmy,

It's near the anniversary of your Dad's death, and I've been thinking of the both of you. I hope that you found Dad in heaven and that both of you are enjoying each other's company. You are missed every day, but I know that you are now health and happy again, and that makes me smile. Please say hi to Aunt Dorothy if you see her. She missed you after we lost you. There are now the two "pancreatic cancer angels" in heaven. I pray that the docs find better treatments so more people don't have to suffer. Your clinical trial was successful and the vaccine is being fast tracked so it can help more people. Your participation was worthwhile.

oxoxoxoxox,

your loving wife

Judy

My dearest Jimmy,

34 years ago at this moment, we were at our rehearsal dinner for our wedding.

I'm so glad that we had a party/recommittment of our wedding vows at our 30th anniversary picnic.. It's been a difficult week for me, as I remember our life together. I was cleaning my closet today and found the anniversary cards and birthday cards that you gave me over the years.

I miss you every single day... I will always love you. Happy 34th anniversary in heaven. I miss you and love you. YOU live within my heart.


oxoxoxoxoxox

Judy

Hey Jimmy
Thanks for the breeze!
Love, Janet

I am on my IPhone (myJimmy phone) There is so much to learn. Every time I use my phone I think of you & our wait in line. The look of the girl that waited on us & her surprise & her saying you are going from no cell phone to an IPhone??!! replied my brother will help me. I miss you but I hold you everyday because I am using my Jimmy phone!!

My dearest Jimmy,

I lost you 3 years ago (April 18, 2009) this morning. I will always miss you and love you with all of my heart. I'm moving on, but you will ALWAYS be in my heart. Please be happy in heaven. I love you..... oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

your loving wife,

Judy

My dearest Jimmy,

I miss you every single day. I hope that you are having a wonderful new life in heaven.

It's almost 3 years since I lost you and I thank God for the time that we lived and loved each other.

I will always love you in my heart, and I thank you for sending Don to me. I love him too. He's a really good man, and we are enjoying each other's company very much.

We're taking this slow, and letting it take us where it will.

Hugs and many kisses to you.


You are my heart.

your loving wife, oxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Judy

My dearest Jimmy,

Our cat, Indi-Nikki died on Wednesday. I hope that she's sitting with you in heaven right now. After you died, she seemed lost.... She missed sleeping with you at night. I found some photos from my iPhone. She's with you a lot in the pictures. She sure liked to sleep right on top of you. No wonder she missed you after you passed on.

After you went, she constantly jumped onto my lap as I worked on the computer. As I sit here now writing this message, I miss her. As she got a little older, she would climb up on the record albums still stacked next to the computer and meow until I let her up.

I miss you, I think of you every single day. And I will always LOVE you. You are my first love, but not my only love.......

Thank you for sending me a really good man as my new companion. I know that you would like him. He's really nice, he's good to me, and he's a MAC user... (Big plus!)

Be well, my love...... I hope that heaven is a good place, and that you are happy and healthy and enjoying life.

OXOXOXOXO

your loving wife, Judy

Dear Jimmy,

Here is yet another New Year's eve and you're spending another year in heaven. I miss you, and will always hold you in my heart........oxoxoxoxox

Aunt Dorothy joined the heavenly ranks recently, and Uncle Bob is very sad that she isn't with him.

Comfort her if you can, and let her know that Uncle Bob will miss her always.

I spent Christmas eve with your family and the wonderful man that I'm dating. Your family likes him, and I know that you would like him. He's a very good man.

Much love to you always,

Judy

My dearest Jimmy,

Today was Thanksgiving. This was the third Thanksgiving Day without you.

I love you and miss you every single day. And I thank you for your love and patience over the years. I hope and pray that you are happy and healthy again in heaven.

And I thank you for sending a new man for me to love. I'm sure that you had some influence in this. He is a wonderful man, and I care for him very much. He makes me smile. Yes I smile again.

I had to take over your role as "gravy maker" today. The gravy came out really good. I remember how you used to make it, and I did what you used to do. I miss you....

oxoxoxoxoxox

Judy

My dearest Jimmy,

I love you and miss you. And I know that you don't want me to be alone and lonely.

I've met a wonderful man and am happily dating him. I know that you would like him.

He's gentle, kind, warmhearted, fun, and fun loving, just like you.

I will ALWAYS hold you in my heart as my first love.

your loving wife,

oxoxoxoxoxox

Judy

Dear Jimmy,

Steve Jobs died today.

Pancreatic cancer is terrible.

Welcome him to heaven.

Please tell God to send a cure for pancreatic cancer to earth!!

We can't afford to lose any more brilliant and well loved people.

Love,

Judy

My dearest Jim,

I saw a beautiful rainbow today along the tristate as I was coming home from a volleyball game today. It was so nice, and I called your mom to share my thoughts with her. She looked out her window and saw a rainbow. I told her how much we both loved rainbows. We felt that the sunset and rainbow were gifts from you. We all love you. Today is the first anniversary of your cousin Mark's journey from earth to heaven. I hope that you found him there and are helping him find himself. Your Aunt Marian is having a tough time.
I miss you every single day, and I love you, and will always love you, my sweetheart, my love, my friend.

OXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOX

Judy

My dearest Jim,

Please tell God and anyone else in heaven that someone HAS to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.

Today, Steve Jobs resigned as CEO of Apple, and apparently, his health is failing and his cancer is spreading. This has to be stopped. It was hard enough to lose you. The world cannot afford to lose more great men like you and Steve Jobs.

I love you Jimmy, and will always love you. You will always live in a part of me.

with much love,

your "goofy girl",
Judy

My dearest sweetest Jim,

In a few days, it will be our 33rd wedding anniversary. I came across my collection of those "Made on a Mac" cards that you made on our computer for me for our anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays. It made me cry.

I will always love you and hold you deep within my heart. You will always "be with me" in the center of my soul.

At the 9:30 Mass at St Phil's on Sunday, we sang "Forever Will I Sing" and I cried as I sang it. Roy picked it in your memory. We felt your presence as we sang.

I can still "hear" you singing harmonies to the songs that you loved the most. I wish that I could hear you intone "Glory to God in the Highest" one more time.

Thank you for our life together, for all of the good times, and for the rocky times too. You helped mold me into the person that I am today, and I thank you for being wonderful you.

Thank you for helping me to seek happiness in my life without you. I know that you didn't want me to be alone for the rest of my life, and I believe you ARE "nudging me" along to my new life. You have done well. I'm very happy.

I feel you smiling on us from heaven.

Thank you.

I will always love you my handsome, handsome "Teddy Bear".

your loving wife,

oxoxoxoxoxoxox,

Judy

My dearest Jim,

It's been two years today since you left all of us. I miss you with all of my heart and all of my being.

I know that you are at peace, and happy again in God's presence. I pray that you are surrounded with those who have gone before you.

I can't say enough about how much my heart aches because I can't hear your voice, kiss your lips, touch your cheek, or feel your hand in mine.

Thank you for being you, that wonderful, kind, gentle person that you were. Thank you for opening my eyes and my heart to the many wonderful times that we shared. Thank you for opening my ears to a wide variety of music. Thank you for singing all of those years in the choir with me. Thank you for learning to expand your own horizons. Thank you for helping me to expand my horizons. Thank you for sharing the good times and the tough times with me. Thank you for sharing your love of nature with me. Thank you for including me in your life. Thank you for your bravery in the face of adversity and illness. Thank you for being you, and not being afraid to explore your own being. Thank you for "nudging" me forward when I needed encouragement. You will always inspire me to be more.

I miss your smile, your kiss, your hug, and your chicken soup.

Oh Jimmy, I love you now and always.

Your loving wife.

oxoxoxoxoxox,

Judy

Dear Jimmy,
I hope you are at peace and that you still watch over us all. We miss you. Our favorite series of books start on HBO tonight and I will be watching for you. Give us all strength especially Judy and Mom. Much love to you from your baby Sis. We know you suffered at the end but your fight was inspirational to us all. I am listening to our music and will always thank you for making me learn so many bands and songs starting when I was 2 and listening to all your 45's, reel to reels, eight tracks, tapes, and most especially your albums. Thank you and much love, peace and rest for you up in heaven.

My dearest Jim,

It's almost 2 years since you began your new life in heaven, and I miss you every single day. I'll treasure you in my heart forever, as I face my new life on this earth as a single person.

Judy

Merry Christmas to my beautiful and handsome sweetheart. This is my second Christmas without you, and it's still hard to believe that you're not here with me to do the "going to both families" trip on Christmas eve.

Be joyful in heaven, as you spend your days with God and the angels and those loved ones that have gone home before us.

I love you Jim, now and forever.

oxoxoxo

your loving wife,

Judy

If tears could build a stairway
And memories were a lane
We would walk right up to Heaven
And bring you back again

No farewell words were spoken
No time to say goodbye
You were gone before we knew it
And only God knows why

Our hearts still ache in sadness
And secret tears still flow
What it meant to lose you
No on will ever know

But know we know you want us
To mourn for you no more
To remember all the happy times
Life still has much in store

Since you’ll never be forgotten
We pledge to you today
A hallowed place within our hearts
Is where you’ll always stay

Author Unknown

Jim it has been a year since we lost you. I miss you still. Judy has been very strong. Each time I hear certain songs I think of you. I will keep my good memories of you in my heart always. You were a great source of inspiration and I will always miss you. You were a great brother and a great friend.

Judy
You and Jim have been in our lives for a long time and it was always a blessing having you both there...jim will be missed and in our prayers

Judy
We have lost a great friend in Jim. We will always have those great memories of all the good times we had together while in scoutinmg, monthly get togethers and especially the great fishing times at Owassipi. Jim will be greatly missed, but he will also be in our prayers.

Love you
Bob & Josephine Delli and family

Judy, I didn't know Jim very well. The times we talked you can tell he had a huge heart. He was so willing to share any info. he had on this dreaded disease, in hopes of helping his fellow fighters and family members. Judy thank you so much for all your love and info. you and Jim have made a difference in peoples lives. My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Judy, I never met Jim, but just hearing you talk about him I knew he was a wonderful guy and how much you loved him. I am so sorry for your loss. You have been and will still be in my prayers.

Judy, I'm sure you know that your husband is in a better place. It's just a shame you're left behind until you rejoin him. I hope you make the best of your remaining time on terra firma. You are in our prayers.

Judy, I am deeply saddened by the loss of Jim. He was such a pleasant man to talk to and had such a friendly manner about him that it is hard to imagine him gone. The world is a little dimmer now but Heaven is a little brighter.
Nick

Judy, it's comforting to read your beautiful tribute and account of Jim's and your life together, and to see you do have good sources of support. Hope I can help by expressing sympathy to my old coworker and friend. Glad I got to meet Jim.

My heart is sadden with the lost of Jim, but my life will always be better for knowing the both of you.
God's blessing to you all.

On behalf of The Northwest of Us Macintosh user group we send our condolences to Judy and remember Jim with great fondness. His contributions to our group were endless and he touched our hearts in so many special ways. He will be greatly missed.

I will always remember Jim as the ultimate host. No party was complete without his touch. Many years have come between us, yet I still recall his sense of humor, the laugh it engendered and his humongous speakers that provided many a good time throughout my salad days. Thank you, Jim, keep a candle burning at heaven's gate for those of us bringing up the rear!

Judy without Jim - NO WAY! Jim without Judy - NO WAY! I always have, and always will, consider you as a pair, a couple, a twosome, partners! Death cannot take away something that was meant to be and you two were meant to be! Physically, Jim may not be with you, but in all other ways he is and always will be, so, in my mind, it is still Judy and Jim and Jim and Judy!

Dear Judy and family,

It has been a long time since I was a parishioner, but something drew me to search St. Philomena online today and I found the notice of Jim's death. I am so sorry for your loss and any suffering Jim had to endure. My prayers go out to you in this difficult time.

I fondly remember the folk masses, the parish musicals, the carnivals, and the many faces from St. Philomena -- you and Jim were a big part of them all. Thank you to both of you for donating your talents throughout the years. I lost touch with the parish when my mom passed away, but it will always be a big part of my life.

The heavenly choir is very lucky to have a talented new member and you have a special angel watching over you.

God bless!

I knew Jim mostly thru the old folk masses that were always special at Philomena. I gor married, moved away and to be honest kind of took our old parish for granted. I got a "jolt" when the school closed a few years ago. I started coming back to mass there when I could. Found out a lot of things changed, but there was Jim and Judy. It was great to see faces I knew and it was fun to talk about the good old days. I learn of his illness and his battles with this. Although I did not know Jim as well as a lot of people, it was always like seeing a friend who I have not seen for awhile. He will be missed and his countless friends and St Philomena were lucky to have him in their lives

Jim, he was the real 'go to guy' if you had
a question or needed a bit of help. I will
miss him.

I'm really grateful for the chance to salute this extraordinary man.

I met Jimmy in 1974 when Supertramp's "Bloody Well Right" was new, and when I heard those opening instrumental bars through his Voice of the Theatre speakers in the basement on Eddy Street, it was like hearing music for the first time. My heart always breaks a little from the beauty and slight melancholy of those opening notes, but from now on it will be for me just "a little bit of Jimmy" left behind for us -- only a little more heartbreaking. Thank you, Jimmy, for opening up my heart and mind to all kinds of music.

I don't think I've ever known anybody fuller of life. Terry and I were in awe of how many people knew and loved him. What a joy it was to be around him. How blessed you are, Judy, to have had his presence and his love. I'm so sad for your loss, but so grateful for the love and partnership you two shared.

My heart goes out to all the beloved members of the Tetzlaff family. Remember: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted." And so are countless family and friends. May God comfort you through their/our love and care.

That's a beautifully written send-off to your "best friend". My heart goes out to you and your family.

My very best friend of over 30 years, and husband Jim Tetzlaff, passed away at 4:30 April 18th, 2009 as I held him in my arms and told him that I loved him.

He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer on October 18, 2005, and fought pancreatic cancer from his diagnosis until his passing. He fought bravely, and did everything that he could to learn about his disease, and help others in the figth with pancreatic cancer.

He wanted his life and struggle with pancreatic cancer to help others to battle this terrible disease. He freely shared his struggle in order to help other patients battle this terrible disease through our participation in the pancreatic support group at the Cancer Wellness Center in Northbrook, IL and Gilda's Club, Chicago, and local PanCan Symposiums.

He was admitted to Lutheran General hospital on Thursday April 16, 2009 in the evening, with jaundice, dehydration, and severe weakness.

On Friday April 17, 2009, in the evening, knowing that his time on earth was very short, we filled his hospital room with family and extended family/friends to pray, laugh, and share "Jimmy" stories. He was very weak, but conscious and responsive, and talked to anyone who called or visited. Many people had the chance to hug and speak with him one last time. We prayed with him, blessed him, and sang some of his favorite songs in blessing.

Earlier in the day on Friday, we had a long discussion with his primary care doctor, expressing our joint agreement that "no heroic measures" be taken to extend his fragile life. We had hoped that he would rally, and live to see another day, but God had other ideas. Jim had the very best care, but in the end, his body just wore out.

Early in the morning of Saturday April 18th, when the nurse came to check his IV, I mentioned that his breathing was "heavy" and labored. She went to get an oxygen mask, and when she came back, I told her that I knew that it was time for him to go, and I preferred just to hold his hand and tell him that "it's okay". I stroked his head, cried, and said, “honey, it’s okay, it’s okay, I love you, but it’s okay to go. Be with God”.

He left very peacefully about 20 minutes later in my arms, and for that I will be forever grateful. He left this life at 4:30 AM into the arms of his loving God. His final breaths were gentle and peaceful.

I am honored to say that I he was my husband, and I love him dearly, and will miss him terribly, but I am glad that he didn't have to suffer any more indignity due to his struggle with pancreatic cancer. I am very sad to have lost his bodily presence here on earth, but I even in my sadness, I feel his loving presence surrounding me with his love.

We loved, laughed, struggled, lived fully together for over 30 years of marriage.

Hi coworkers at Buehler Ltd., actually had him longer than I did. He worked at Buehler Ltd, Lake Bluff, IL, in many capacities for 32 years, and it was often said that Jim “bled Buehler blue”, the color of the company logo. His friends and coworkers there have lost a great worker and friend, and are very saddened as his passing. He had many good friends at Buehler.

I met Jim in the youth group at our church, St. Philomena, when we were both in high school. We both previously attended St. Philomena grammar school, and became active in the parish after grammar school. We were married at St. Philomena on July 29, 1978. We worked together in many ministries at St. Philomena, including West Central Athletics, the St. Philomena Folk choir, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, the St. Philomena Parish Players and Mardi Gras, numerous parish carnivals and many other events and committees. He played guitar and sang in the folk choir and his beautiful voice is missed by all.

He wrote and edited articles for TNWoU MAC computer club magazine, and loved his friends at the club.

Jim loved sunrises, sunsets, fishing, listening to birds, walking in nature, being with our loving families and friends, music, his MAC computer, audiobooks, cooking, drinking coffee, our cats, having quiet meals, seeing movies, and loving life. I am honored that he shared those activities with me.

He mentored hundreds of young people through our activities at our parish. Many of those young people came to his wake and funeral and expressed their love and appreciation for how Jim had helped them to become fully loving and caring human beings.

He was my very best friend, my confidant, my lover, my sounding board, my MAC computer tech, my spontaneous home grown graphic designer, and fellow photographer. He was also the resident “cat feeder” and our cats, Gretta and Indy-Nikki are very confused and keep looking for their “feedbag” human. They're wondering when he's coming back to sit in his chair and pet them.

I miss him terribly, and will cry over his memory forever. I will always love "my Jimmy" and tears are pouring from my face and my heart as I right this.

Farewell my sweetheart, I hope and pray that we are reunited one day in God's loving presence.

Amen to your life. I love you very much, and will see you again in heaven.

Your loving wife,

Judy

Jim was a special man and the love you share will forever live on. The love you share for music was always an inspiring to me and the good times will always remain in my mind and heart. I have been truly blessed to know him and be a part of your extended family. Jim will be missed

Judy,

Seeing the 2 of you work together was lovely. You made a good team and you worked so hard to stay on top of all the information on Jim's terrible disease so you give him as much help as possible. When you would arrive at the support meetings at separate times it was always obvious that you were both happy to see each other again. Jim is missed.

I worked with Jim. He always had the time to help out antother co-worker and was never too busy to be of assistance. I learned a lot from Jim and I am very blessed to of known him.

Dear Judy,

Word cannot express our sadness in losing Jimmy. He was such an inspiration to all of us during his illness. Paul and I will never forget your visits with us and our trip to Key West together. Wonderful memories! He will be missed.

Love You

Barb & Paul Dybus

Dear Judy,

Jim showed so much courage and strengh during his time of illness, in part due to the loving support that he received from you. You both shared many wonderful moments together. May the memories of those shared experiences continue to sustain and carry you through the difficult moments. Jim left a lasting impression on the hearts of many that will not be forgotten. I echo Mark's invitation. Love you.

A Brief Farewell to my brother, Jimmy:

Peace be with you.... A brave battle fought has ended. I am awestruck (but not surprised) by the number of people whose lives and hearts you have touched. You truly did it your way. I'll miss you each and every day. I will pray to be inspired by your example as I continue on my journey. And I guess I'll have to learn how to work my Mac. Don't worry, we will lookout for Judy: share with her the memories and the tears. And we'll keep humming along. Love ya.

Judy, I know the days ahead will be very difficult. Please take what comfort you can in knowing we are here for you. Thank you so very much for the special love, care and devotion you gave to Jimmy. And may each day be just a tiny bit brighter. Love ya.

Judy I'm sorry for the loss of your husband and my friend, I'm so vary sorry I could not be there. I'll always remember Jim as being fun loving and his laugh, he will be missed at our Super Bowl partys. Judy you have extended family and you can alway count on Jenny and I if you need anything or a get away for a weekend you have our number we love you and may god bless both you and Jim.

Dear Judy,
The love and strength Jim gave to all of us with your wings carrying him so he could soar to the very end is an inspiration to me. I will forever be humbled by how much he lead through example of living life to it's fullest and for the gift of his friendship. You both are family to so many and we are with you now and forever.
Love,
Rena

I worked with Jim for about 25 years. He has been a great friend and mentor to me. He will be greatly missed but we all have wonderful memories. It was an honor to work and know "JT."

Dear Judy,
The services and comforting rituals are over and the support they lend are gone. We know that this is the truly hard time of grief. Take some comfort in the fact that you and Jim both struggled to sustain his life heroically and with a great relentless drive that shone with both determination and intelligence. You can be proud of how long you kept his flame burning.
Now your next challenge is to make your post-Jim life a worthy second chapter. Heal,grieve,cry,and use one of the resources that you are blessed with; the many,many people that loved you both.
Doug and Peg

Jim, Judy,

This is your brother John fighting through tears and sobs as I write. I love you both but cannot continue just yet. I will be back with a brother's epistle on you, Jim, when I am in a more coherent state. I know that our Lord, time, and your continuing worship of Him on our behalf will eventually diminish the pain from the wound of our communal loss. Saint James, pray for us.

Jim was an exceptional individual...He was the "people" person in our family. From the time he was two years old he was running around our neigborhood visiting other families. He was the connection to so many lives and his strength and determination left me awestruck at times. He was my music, he was my friend as well as a brother and if I could be just a fraction of what he was I'd be better for it. He was an example of what a true human being should be. I was honored to have him in my life. He will be missed but his fighting and glorious spirit lives on in all who loved him and in all the lives he touched. These thoughts are but a few & those who knew him will know how much love he gave to others.

Judy
Stuart and I were so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Our Cancer Support Group has lost a wonderful life partner.

Judy--
We are saddened by the news of Jim's passing. He was a brave fighter--and had us all laughing during his visits. Our thoughts are with you!

My heartfelt condolences go out to you. My thoughts and prayers are with in your time of sorrow. Lee Nevison

I was so proud of Jim's amazing attitude and your strength and devotion to him. You were the love of his life, that was clear to all of us. He was inspirational in his advice to me going thru my own struggles with my father. He was one of those people special amongst us. We were lucky to have known him and we'll celebrate the time we had with him!
Love and hugs to you,
Judy Eber

Judy, I worked with Jim at Buehler for nearly 5 years. Jim was as helpful and polite as anyone could be. A truly fine co-worker and human being. No more suffering for him and he truly is worshiping the Lord. I will miss him, may you find strength in this difficult hour.

Judy,
Marc and I wish to express our deepest sympathy upon your loss. We regret we have just learned of this as of 4/21/ and cannot attend the service. Jim has always been a special person and friend, we can only express our sympathy through this time. Please contact us even if you feel like dropping a line or two.
Marc and Cathy

Judy,

I was deeply saddened by Jimbo's loss as much as anyone else. Jimbo was a special person in my life as well especially growing up in a tough community. He was a man that had a HUGE heart. You helped him fill that heart with LOVE and HAPPINESS Judy and for that Jimbo will rest in peace with happinees. I wish I could be there right now in his wake as I am writing this email. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

My thoughts and prayers are with in your time of sorrow. I am so happy that I got to see you and Jim last summer at you anniversary party. I have nothing but good memories about Jim and yourself. They will never be forgotten and neither will you or Jim.

Judy, so very sorry for your loss. We have a lot of fond memories of Jim. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love Tom and Cathy Curcio (Giuseffi)

Judy,

Gain strength from knowing that Jim lives on through all the people that he touched in his life, even in the smallest of ways. I have nothing but fond memories of both of you from our days in the St. Philomena Play Group. It was yours and Jim’s hard work and dedication that helped inspire me to be the man I am today. Thank you for all the loving memories and please accept my sincerest condolences for the loss of a wonderful man.

Hi Judy - Monica and I were devastated to hear the news of Jim's passing. He will be sorely missed. Wish I could fly out from CA to be at the funeral. You'll be in our prayers. -geo