Thomas "Tilly" W. Thielmann, 59, of Hartford, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, July 12, 2011, at the Aurora Medical Center in Hartford surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was born Oct. 27, 1951, in Hartford to Walter and Patricia (nee Draper) Thielmann. He was united in marriage to Carole Stogbauer on Aug. 29, 1970, in West Bend.

Tom graduated from the Hartford Union High School in 1970. He loved sports and participated in football, where he excelled. Tom was the starting fullback on the 1968 Wisconsin Little Ten Conference champion Hartford Orioles football team. He was voted MVP of the 1969 Orioles and was the first Orioles running back to rush for more than 200 yards in a game. Tom received a Division 1 football scholarship to the University of Wyoming, playing one year before being injured. Tom was inducted into the Hartford Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

Tom was co-owner of John Thielmann & Son Heating and Air Conditioning since 1977. They sold the business in 2005, but Tom continued working there. Tom treated everyone with respect and honesty. He loved the interaction with the customers, which were probably his friends already. He was a member of St. Kilian Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. He loved coaching. He coached basketball at St. Kilian for many years as well as Hartford Youth Football. He loved teaching the children about football and leading them into being better people through example. He loved watching his children, grandchildren, and nephews participate in sporting events. He wouldn't miss a game. Tom also enjoyed researching his family history and genealogy. He was a big man with a tender heart.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Carole; his children, Dawn (Chad) Hron, Tammy (Brandon) Rolsma and Jay Thielmann, all of Hartford; grandfather of Cordell, Bryanna, Landon, Delaney, Brooke, Cooper and Jaxon; his siblings, Judy (Lou) Ryinec of Illinois, Paul (Nancy) Thielmann of Hartford, and John (Linda) Thielmann of Cedarburg. Further survived by brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends and his ever-loyal companion, Bailey.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Patricia and his infant daughter Christine.

Mass of Christian burial for Tom will be held on Saturday, July 16, 2011, at 10 a.m. at St. Kilian Catholic Church, 264 W. State St., Hartford with Father David LaPlante officiating. Family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, July 15, 2011, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. with a prayer vigil at 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Additional visitation on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. at the church. Interment St. Kilian Cemetery. Memorials to St. Kilian Church or Hartford Youth Football appreciated.

Shimon Funeral Home is assisting the family.