Thomas “Tom” Anton Hollfelder, age 82, of Elkhart Lake, WI, died on Monday, January 22, 2024, at Azura Memory Care in Sheboygan. He was born in Madison, WI on October 9, 1941, the son of the late Edward and Vera Lochner Hollfelder.
Tom graduated from Middleton High School, Middleton, WI in 1959. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy a day before his 18th birthday, serving his country for 3 years as a guided missile operator. Tom felt very strongly about being an American and honored the flag throughout his life. Tom worked on a Top Secret Guided Missile program for NASA on the east coast. On October 13, 1962, he was united in marriage to Bea Matas in Los Angeles, California.
Tom worked for MicroDot in Pasadena, California, Alston Division of Conrac in Glendora, CA and Porta Systems in sales located in Long Island, New York. While working for Porta Systems, he with his partner, Jack Watson of Glendora, California began to design in the basement of Tom’s home on Long Island, the first generation technology AM-1 (Ameritec Technology) telecommunications test equipment. This ingenius design would later lead them to start Ameritec Corporation as partners in 1979. Tom and Jack continued to design and manufacture telecommunications test equipment for all the major telephone companies within the United States and Worldwide until the dissolution of the company in 2015.
Tom’s passion for automobiles and racing led him to collect vintage and rare race cars. This then led him to become an avid race car driver himself. He raced all over the world and the United States. He was a member of the Rotary Club in Covina, CA, the Ferrari Owners Club in the Coachella Valley, CA and was an HRC Member, Director and President for Historic Race Circuits of Elkhart Lake Wisconsin. Tom and his wife, Bea have had an interest in philanthropy throughout the years and have impacted many organizations in the United States.
Survivors include his wife, Bea Matas Hollfelder; two children, Cathy (Geoff) Perriman; Christine (Darrell) Auxier, four grandchildren, Carly and Maddy Perriman, and Randie (Joey) Dyche, and Brittany Massro. Many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends further survive. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Carol Hollfelder, son-in-law, Paul Brown, and a brother and sister.
A private celebration of Tom’s life will be held at a later date.
A heartfelt thank you is extended to the staff at Azura Memory Care in Sheboygan for the compassion and care given to Tom.
The Reinbold-Novak Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.reinboldfh.com
I am a Madisonian and worked at Oscar Mayer Co. with Tom's brother Jim in the Maintenance Department. Jim always had one of Tom's business cards on his bulletin board in his shop. Me, being a "Car Guy" loved Jim's stories about Tom's cars and his life. Jim was Very Proud of Tom, and he always said "You have to come up to Elkhart Lake and meet Tom. You guys will get along great." I did get to Elkhart Lake for the Redmond Weekend twice. I enjoyed meeting Tom and family. What a genuine warm bunch of people! I remember sitting down and talking with Carol and Paul. Tom said to Jim, "Get the cart and show Dave and Nancy around." We looked at the semi with a tall wheel Maserati and the 512 Ferrari in it. That was the only time I ever saw a trailer with a floor that raised and lowered! After a tour around the entire Elkhart Lake Racetrack, Jim took us up to what he called a "Primo Viewing Spot." We saw Paul zip around in the red Ferrari many times from our Primo Vantage Point. What fun seeing a driver whom we had met!! I have warm memories of a gracious Tom, meeting him, and from brother Jim's inside stories! Tom I am sure will be missed by many who loved and respected him, and were glad to call him "friend."
I enjoyed the great privilege of being a guest in Tom & Bea's home at Elkhart, during an HRC weekend. Never a more hospitable couple, and was introduced to everyone. Best time I ever had. Tom and I also shared some genealogy backround by chance, with our two families being early settlers in Cross Plains, WI. I didn't know Tom long, or was ill. He was a stellar guy with a most interesting life. My thoughts to his wife and friends, and the Elkhart Lake Historic Race Circuits Preservation Society. Richer lives for all who knew this fine genleman.
Stacy Scharch
Tom will be missed. ...for his many gifts, genuine friendships, Road America advocacy, passionate interest in unique rare race cars, compassion for the unfortunate, anonymous gifting, shyness from any recognition ...
Tom was a great person to call a friend.
Yvonne and I are saddened to hear about Tom’s passing. Our thoughts & prayers go out to Bea , Cathy & family. May God give you strength during this time of sorrow. RIP Tom.
