Helping Denise After the Sudden Loss of Her Husband, Tommy

Dear friends, family, and community,

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Thomas “Tommy” Zelenka, who passed away unexpectedly on January 18, 2026, at the age of 51. Tommy was a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, and a presence in the lives of so many, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Tommy and Denise were high school sweethearts who found their way back to each other later in life. He was her constant support and brought warmth, joy, and kindness to everyone around him. He worked hard and was deeply focused on building a stable future for his family.

Tommy had a passion for creativity and was incredibly thoughtful in how he showed up for others. He went out of his way to mark important moments and make people feel seen, valued, and important. He was also a loyal, lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears.

As Denise and the family navigate this heartbreaking loss, they are also facing unexpected expenses related to funeral arrangements and the months ahead. This fundraiser is meant to help ease that burden so Denise can focus on grieving and healing.

There is absolutely no expectation. Every kind word, prayer, share, or donation is deeply appreciated and means more than words can express. Thank you for helping surround Denise and her family with love and support during this incredibly difficult time.

With gratitude,

Friends and family of the Zelenka family