Jeffrey T. Jones

Jeffrey T. Jones 57, Kronenwetter, died Saturday, July 30, 2011 at his home. He was born March 2, 1954 in Tomahawk, son of the late Eugene and Harriette (Bergeson) Jones. On June 12, 1982, he married Deborah Ann Grendzinski at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Tomahawk. She survives. In 1972, Jeff graduated from Tomahawk High School. He proudly served in the United States Air Force for the next four years, from 1972 through 1976. In 1983, he graduated magna cum laude from University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire. He continued on to study law at University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he graduated cum laude with his law degree in 1986. He began his legal career as a law clerk for Appellate Court Judge Gordon Myse. In 1987, he joined the law firm of Mulcahy and Wherry. Since 1990, he was a shareholder at the law firm of Ruder Ware, L.L.S.C. Jeff represented both private and public sector employers in all aspects of employment and labor law. He was active in professional associations and activities, serving as a Director of the Labor and Employment Law Section of this Wisconsin Bar Association and as a Director of the Wisconsin School Attorneys Association. Jeff was totally committed to his profession and highly respected by his clients and colleagues. He had a unique ability to analyze and explain even the most difficult legal issues. His approach was straightforward and fair and his counsel empathetic and informed. His peers appreciated his solid thoughtfulness, sense of professional duty, and his common sense analysis. Jeff's passions extended far beyond his successful career as an attorney. On weekends he would often visit the family's cabin on Lake Nokomis, passing the time by taking on many small projects that eventually made his place the perfect Northwoods getaway. While up north, he enjoyed spending time with the many close childhood friends, high school buddies and relatives from his hometown of Tomahawk. In the summertime, he would take the family out on pontoon boat rides; in the winter, snowmobile tours. At home, he worked on his cherished 1965 red Mustang convertible. He was a fan of the Wisconsin Badgers, Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers. He was thrilled to watch the latter win this year's Superbowl. Most of all, Jeff loved to plan wonderful family vacations to the Orlando, FL area, especially Disneyworld. Last year, he surprised his wife with a birthday fireworks cruise that he listed on the itinerary as a "puppet show". She and her daughters will always cherish the precious memories made together in the Happiest Place on Earth and miss all the "puppet shows" he planned to create them. Survivors include, his wife, Deborah Jones; two daughters, Alicia and Ashley Jones, all of Kronenwetter; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leon and Betty Grendzinski, Wausau; four sisters, Delores (Leonard) Weinand, Medford, Charlyne (Fran) Pflum, and Lori (Donald) Winker, both of Tomahawk and Lila (Ken) Dumar, Rhinelander; one brother, Marty (Gail) Jones, Sun Prairie; three brothers-in-law, Dennis (Shelly) Grendzinski, Aurora, Colo., David (Connie) Grendzinski, Weston and Daniel Grendzinski, Athens; one sister-in-law, Diane (Wilt) Faber, Ringle; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Larry Jones. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 4, 2011 at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, with full military honors conducted by the American Legion Montgomery Plant Post No. 10, Wausau. Friends may call Wednesday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. and again on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services all at the funeral home. There will be a prayer service at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association or the Humane Society of Marathon County. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com