Thomas Alan Wilhelmi

Thomas (Tom) was born on November 7, 1947 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Joliet, Illinois.  He was the second son and middle child of Veronica (Barr) and Joseph Wilhelmi.  Tom passed away peacefully in his home in the early morning of January 23, 2025 alongside his children. Tom grew up in Joliet, Illinois and moved to California after being drafted into the army and served in the Vietnam War.  He preferred the California sunshine over the cold winters. He met Shirley (Arms) in 1972 and they married in 1973.  Tom worked for over forty years as an auto body repair man at various dealerships and shops.  He was a hard working man and always working on projects at home.  Whether it was building a wall, a home addition, working on cars, or tinkering in the garage.  In his free time, Tom enjoyed fishing, camping, off-roading, car shows, watching NASCAR and westerns, walking the dog, and hanging out with friends enjoying a cold beverage.  Tom is survived by his brother Jim, son Jacob, and daughter Sara. Tom will be remembered for  his kindness, friendliness, easy going attitude, work ethic, eagerness to help, dedication to his family, and appreciation.  He was “generous, gracious, and good.” 

A memorial service will be held at Fairhaven Memorial Park Mortuary, located at 1702 Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705, United States. The service is scheduled for February 8, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm.