Thomas Roy Jorns, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and esteemed hair stylist, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Tom fought a courageous battle against cancer while continuing to live life to the fullest and laughing with his family until the absolute very end. He is survived by his wife and best friend of 33 years, Sandee Jorns; a sister, Jackie Stiehl; a son, Ethan (Pam) Jorns, two daughters, Kama (Alan) Duessler and Jenna (Steve) Wagner; and six grandchildren, Jillian and Johnny Jorns, Kylee and Lyvia Duessler, and Emma and Mikayla Wagner.
Tom’s journey began on June 17, 1941, in Green Bay, born to Roy and Emma “Dolly" (Bruckner) Jorns. He grew up in Sturgeon Bay, graduating from high school in 1960. Shortly after graduating, he joined the United States Coast Guard. Tom was honorably discharged in January, 1965. Tom attended Barber School in Moline, IL. Upon returning to Sturgeon Bay, the seeds of his passion for sharing his talent, heart, and humor with everyone he met were deeply rooted as he pursued his career in Cosmetology. Tom parlayed this into opening the Yankee Clipper and the Clippers Mate Salons, both in Sturgeon Bay, with many hair professionals staying with him for more than 40 years. He “passed the scissors” to his daughter, Kama Duessler, in 2007, who continues to operate the Clippers Mate Salon.
Upon retiring, Tom's focus transitioned to his other passions, the most important being attending his grandchildren’s sporting events. He loved hunting (pheasants, grouse, and an occasional deer), fishing, gardening, canning, and watching the Packers and the Badgers. Tom was a wonderful cook, known for making his famous cabbage, coleslaw, and vinegar cucumber salad from the fruits of his garden.
He was a parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus, both in Sturgeon Bay. As a veteran, Tom had been a member of the Weber-Tess AMVETS Post 51 in Sturgeon Bay. He was also a member of the Sturgeon Bay Yacht Club and the Jonlee Peterson Memorial Foundation.
Tom will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him, and most of all by his beautiful Brittany, Cinder.
Everyone that knew Tom, knew he loved to "feed the people" and questions abound if his legendary Christmas party will continue.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Sturgeon Bay Fr. Matthew Rappl celebrant. Military honors by the United States Coast Guard and the Weber-Tess AMVETS Post 51 will follow at the church. Tom will be laid to rest in Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Institute.
Visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay with a parish wake service to be held at 7:00 p.m. and led by Dcn. Ed Winter. Visitation will continue at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until 11: 15 a.m.
Memorials may be given in Tom's name for DOOR CANcer Inc. (P.O. Box 423, Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235).
Our family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kwon, Dr. Park and Dr. Morris of the Mayo Clinic, Marcy Godlewski of the VA, Amanda Enright, Jake, Dcn. James Lonick, and the rest of the wonderful staff of AseraCare Hospice for the excellent and compassionate care given to Tom.
Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Tom may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.
