Thomas Jerome Zelka

Thomas Jerome Zelka, a longtime resident of Hardin, Montana, passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on June 14th with his daughter at his bedside.  He was surrounded by a compassionate crew of caregivers at Westview Health Center in Sheridan, Wyoming, who provided invaluable support to Tom over the past years.  He was a favorite, memorable and cherished resident; he will be greatly missed.

Tom was the third child born to Raymond and Ursula (Janskovitch) Zelka on April 13, 1933 in Hardin, Montana. Tom was a proud native Montanan and appreciated living under the Big Sky.

Tom graduated from Hardin High School in 1951 and enlisted in the Air Force in April 1952, taking basic training at Park Air Force Base in Oakland, California, and then proudly serving overseas in Europe, spending 2 1/2 years in Germany.  Tom returned home after serving his country for four years and under his father’s skillful tutelage, he continued learning and honing the expert skills of a welder and machinist.  Tom, ultimately, took over the family business and made a name for himself at Zelka’s Machine and Welding Works.  Word got out and people drove from all over MT and even as far as Wyoming, to have Tom fix farm equipment, build a specific part for rigs, ask for his expert advice, and to admire his craftsmanship.  His craft was not only his livelihood, but also a source of pride that he   brought to everything he made.  He was truly a wizard with his hands which were almost as big as his heart.  He was handsome, curious, clever, a prankster and had a wicked sense of humor.

Tom met the love of his life at a local dance and swept Rosemarie off her feet.  Tom was united in marriage with Rosemarie Conrad on Aug. 3, 1962 in Billings.  Tom and Rosemarie (“To” and “Ro” as they called each other) embodied the saying “teamwork makes the dream work.”  They spent 50 years of marriage working together alongside each other.  Rosemarie worked as the bookkeeper for Zelka's Machine and Welding Works.  They were partners in many other ventures including Crow Cable TV serving Crow Agency.  They drove weekly to Billings to supply oxygen to Hardin’s hospital and local ranchers for decades.  They put countless miles on the odometer traveling around the Treasure State attending cable conventions and soil conservation conferences; Tom always made new friends along the way.  He enjoyed a good road trip, often loading the cooler, family and dog in the station wagon, driving all over Montana; Tom would stop along the riverbanks and help Rosemarie collect driftwood for her garden.  Their yearly June BBQ was not to be missed and documented with polaroids.  Tom served as jovial host in his apron and also as head grill master at a barrel grill he fashioned himself, of course.

He was a family man first and foremost.  Tom took his family outdoors on many adventures - camping, fishing and boating on Yellowtail Dam.  He was an amazing dad, but also a coveted uncle who doted on his many nieces and nephews whom he included in his reindeer games.  Tom also gave back to his community in Big Horn County as a member on many boards including serving as Chair of Hardin’s Big Horn’s City Planning Board and was actively involved with Hardin’s City Council.  Thomas was a faithful member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.  

Preceding Thomas in death are his parents; his lifelong partner and wife Rosemarie Zelka, three brothers (Robert, James and Raymond), two sisters (Mary Agnes and Ursula); and several aunts and uncles.

Survivors include his daughter, Lora Zelka; his son Paul Zelka; his sister-in-law Marilyn Zelka; his beloved grandchildren, Adam (Tiffanee) Zelka, Drew (Marissa) Zelka and Tyler Miller; great-grandchildren, Maddison, Chloe, Callie & Macey Zelka, Tieje Miller and Cooper Zelka; and many nieces and nephews who will all miss him dearly.

Rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 20 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 710 N. Custer Ave. Hardin, MT.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated immediately following the rosary at 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 20. Rite of Committal will follow in the Hardin Fairview Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Joseph Catholic Church or the Big Horn County Historical Museum in Hardin, MT  59034.  

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