Thomas "Tom" Alan Zetelski, age 42, passed unexpectedly on September 26, 2023, in Colville, WA at his home.  Tom was born July 16, 1981, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, the son of Alan John and Sherry Lynn (Krawchuck) Zetelski.

His early years were spent in Boca Raton, FL. He moved to Kentucky in 1996.  Tom was a graduate of Meade County High School in Brandenburg, KY, Class of 2000.  He then continued his education at the University of Louisville.  He graduated in 2004 with a degree in English.   That same year, Tom's mother was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.  He worked and stayed close to her, as her caregiver, until her passing in 2009.  Tom then entered the U.S. Army and served his country for the next 5 years.  He was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant and returned home. He was recruited by the state of Nevada for their troops to teachers program where he earned his Master's in Special Education from the University of Nevada Las Vegas. He worked as an educator and in law enforcement until his acceptance in 2019 into the U.S. Customs Service.  His first assignment was to serve as a U.S. Customs Officer in the Seattle area at both the seaport and airport.  While in Seattle, Tom met Shannon May Valenta and soon they were embracing their shared passions and taking the world together by storm.  At a moment's notice, they would launch into new adventures and opportunities of fun and friendships.  Tom and Shannon exchanged vows on July 15, 2023, in Pensacola, Florida.  They moved from Seattle to the safer and slower pace of life in Colville in December of 2022.  They were looking forward to sharing outdoor activities of all four seasons.

Tom had a huge bucket list of adventures with an endless capacity for more.  He had kayaked on local waters recently and was looking forward to cross-country skiing and snow shoeing throughout the winter season.  He also enjoyed fishing, attended hockey games and a good poker game at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Colville, WA.  He loved with all his heart and gave of his heart completely to his wife and "love of his life", Shannon.  His loving and caring nature was endless and freely extended to his family and friends.  He was a kid at heart who lifted spirits with his sweet, gentle, fun loving, extraverted, and diligent character.  Any time a vinyl record is played, Tom's turn table collection of music and his love of life will come to the hearts and minds of those who knew him.

Tom enjoyed the community and friendships he shared as a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Sherry L. Zetelski in 2009.

Tom is survived by his wife, Shannon M. (Valenta) Zetelski, at the home; father, Alan Zetelski (Brenda) of Pensacola, FL: sister, Karen Dixon (Logan) and their son, Benjamin, all of Louisville, KY…

The memorial service for Thomas "Tom" A. Zetelski will begin at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 5, 2023, at the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Colville, WA.  Pastor Patty Heath will officiate.  Tom will be laid to rest at the Tahoma National Cemetery following his cremation. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Lung Association www.lung.org  in honor of Tom's mom.   Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com.  Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted in care and cremation.