Tina Louise Metallo-Gjerdset

1967 ∼ 2014

Tina Louise Metallo-Gjerdset, of West Allis, WI, formerly of Kenosha, WI, died unexpectedly from a pulmonary embolism on November 4, 2014, at the age of 47. Tina was born in Kenosha on February 22, 1967. She attended Grant Elementary, Washington Jr. High and was a proud member of Mary D. Bradford Class of 1985. Tina continued her education at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside earning a degree in Labor Relations in December 1989. On October 20, 2007, Tina married her best friend and love of her life Craig Gjerdset at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Kenosha. For nearly 25 years Tina called Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare-All Saints Hospital her second home and family. She joined All Saints in 1990 working in the medical library. In 1996 she shifted to the telecom group and at the time of her death was a Telecom Specialist in Information Services. Tina is the calming voice used to welcome most calls at All Saints Healthcare. Tina was a devoted wife. “Mr. Craig” was the most important person in her life. They shared a very special bond. Tina truly enjoyed cooking, gardening and was an exemplary baker – sharing her recipes with anyone that asked. She was an avid baseball fan sharing season tickets to the Brewer’s with her husband. Tina was a church lector and member of the hand bell choir at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in West Allis, WI. She was a volunteer to many events, with her most prized event being a member of the “pizza crew” at Holy Rosary’s summer festival – an event partnered with her lifelong best friend Filomena (Montemurro) Swartz. Tina’s personality was larger than life and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her or followed her regular Facebook posts. Tina is survived by her husband, Craig of West Allis, WI; her parents, James and Georgeann (Pinzger) Metallo; her grandfather, George Pinzger, Sr.; her sister, Christine (Anthony) Geliche; in-law’s, Gerald and Judith Gjerdset of Milwaukee, WI; and sisters-in-law, Linda (Michael) Merkel of Jackson, WI, and Kristin Gjerdset of West Allis, WI. Tina is further survived by four nieces that she adored, Madison Geliche, Haley Geliche, Nicolle Merkel and Sydney Merkel, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and business colleagues. Tina was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Alice (Serpe) Pinzger, and paternal grandparents, Rose (Vena) and Emil Metallo. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 10th, from Proko Funeral Home at 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 2224-45th Street, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. George Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday at Proko Funeral Home from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in honor of Tina are made to Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Kenosha, WI or St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4001-68th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53220.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Tina’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com

Condolences

Paula Brown-Hackett November 10, 2014
As a member of Tina's "IAUG Family" I was fortunate enough to have spent some time with her over the summer and today I feel blessed to have been provided that opportunity. She had such a big heart! We love you Tina and we will miss you.
Sue Sturino November 9, 2014
My deepest condolences go out to both families. I had the pleasure to know Tina through her Mom, Georgeann and her Dad, Jim. Tina always had a smile on her face and a great personality! Heaven needed another Angel to be with my Dad and Brother. Love, prayers and hugs. God bless you all.
Viola Anderson November 9, 2014
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Metallo and Gjerdset family. I only met Tina two or three times in the 24 years I have known her father. She was a joy to meet. Her father talked about his girls often at work and he was quite proud of there accomplishments. He talked about them so much I feel this loss with them. My heart is broken for you during this this time. Love Viola
Rosa Montemurro November 8, 2014
Tina came into my life 33 years ago through my wonderful sister in law Filomena. Tina and FIL were friends since kindergarten. I immediately felt that Tina was a true friend. We had so many memories and fun times when we gathered for parties and family occasions.Tina and I shared the same humor and she was what a true friend should be.Rest in peace my kind friend and remember you will never be forgotten and we will always love you!!
Jennifer de Montmollin November 7, 2014
I am so deeply saddened to hear of Tina's passing. I met Tina years ago when she began attending Merkel family functions with Craig. Oh my goodness, from the moment I met her I was struck with her passion for life and her joy in sharing it--she was just a blast to be around; funny and exuberant. Her giving nature always meant armloads of amazing food at family events, complete with Tina's trademark, "Oh, it's so easy to make--I could teach you." I will certainly miss her and her radiant joy. Craig, my very deepest sympathies. Pay attention in those quiet moments; I think you'll find her there. Peace to you, dear friend.
Bill Moore November 7, 2014
I first became aware of Tina a number of years ago when she started attending the Sales & Services sessions at the IAUG annual conference. Tina always had questions to ask the Avaya executives in the room. And she was always prepared to "do battle" if they didn't give her the answers she needed. I knew right away that she was someone I wanted as a volunteer.When I asked her to take over the chair of the System Management Tools Council, she immediately accepted, but warned me that she was not an executive-type. "I'm just a worker bee," she remarked. But Tina was so much more than "just a worker bee." Her intellect, understanding, and passion for IAUG made her an essential part of our team.We learned quickly that Tina would take on any challenge presented to her. And we learned that we could count on her to tell us exactly what she thought. You always knew where you stood with Tina. Tina's active participation in IAUG made us a better organization. We will all miss her laughter, her spirit, and her insight.On a personal level, Tina's I greatly valued Tina's friendship. Over the years we had some wonderful conversations. I will miss her greatly.
Frank Dahl November 7, 2014
I am truly at a loss. Tina was one of the few people that I was able to relate to and call my friend in the short time that I lived in Kenosha. I will miss her, and even though she has left us here, she will never leave are minds and hearts.
Karen Kaiser November 7, 2014
Holy Rosary will not be the same without our dear Tina. She was an inspiration to us all, with her wit, charm, and loving nature. We will truly miss her. My thoughts and prayers go out to her loving husband and wonderful parents. Yours In Christ,Karen
Angela Virzi Adams November 7, 2014
I am deeply saddened to hear of Tina's passing. Tina had one of the biggest hearts! When I first met her at the 2012 IAUG Conference in Boston, I knew she was someone VERY SPECIAL. She cared about everything! Since that first meeting Tina was always the first person I looked to find at every IAUG meeting, her smile was that "something familiar" that we all look for in a crowd. She made you feel like you mattered in this world. When my father became very ill, Tina consistently reached out to me by phone just to ask how he was doing. She prayed and shared her faith and belief that life is beautiful and wonderful no matter what we have going on. I last saw Tina in Chicago several weeks ago, and as always her beautiful smile and great laugh was a joy to behold.Her kindness, thoughtfulness, caring and warm heart will be forever missed, never to be forgotten.To her loving husband (who she always said was the love of her life) her family, friends and co-workers, please accept my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathies of the untimely passing of such a wonderful and beautiful lady!Another Bright Star shines in the heavens!Angela Virzi-Adams
Ronnie Chapleau November 7, 2014
Tina was such a kind and caring person. I first met Tina when she worked in the medical library at St. Mary's. She would go out of her way to find information not only for me but for anyone needing help. Tina always had time for a chat or a good laugh. After moving on to telecommunication, we always had had a laugh since she was the "voice" for so many greetings at All Saints. So many fond memories. Please accept my condolences.
Heide maginn November 7, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss.Tina was always such a happy upbeatPerson whenever i saw her , she had so much funPlanning the class reunion & seeing everyone that eveningI will miss seeing her at work tooHealing prayers to you all.
Christine Andersen November 7, 2014
I was fortunate to have known Tina since our junior high days. She was always outgoing, funny, intelligent, thoughtful and included everyone. Our high school class was very close-knit, and Tina was the thread that kept us together through the years. She always made time to talk to me at every function, whether a reunion, a benefit, an informal class gathering to support a classmate's band, or a disco 80's party. She was active on Facebook & I always looked forward to and enjoyed her posts and blogs. She was an angel on Earth who was called to be with God. May all those who knew and loved her find comfort in the many wonderful memories we have and that Tina was loved by so many and will be dearly missed but not forgotten. She has left a beautiful imprint in this world. I'd like to share a favorite poem of mine, which I hope brings some peace during this difficult time:TRANQUILITY by Wyatt CooperLife itself is brief, and yet each life encloses all eternity. We are, all of us, separately and together, engaged in the same journey. Each of us alike tastes of its joys and its sorrows. Each of us gets by as best as he can. And we must, whenever possible, reach out to each other, tentatively to touch, with our hands, with our eyes, and with our hearts. We must wish for each other love and laughter, smiles and sunshine, good thoughts and happy days. We must go rejoicing in the blessings of this world, chief of which is the mystery, the magic, the majesty and the miracle that is life. With love,~Chris Andersen
Tony Trotta November 6, 2014
So sorry to hear about Tina's passing. I worked with her at St. Mary's in Racine. Tina was a true professional in all she did, she always cared about doing a good job. She always had a smile, and was so pleasant to talk to. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Antonio and Kristen Montemurro November 6, 2014
Tina has been a part of my life since I was born and her humor and love have always held a special place in my heart! As we all come to grips with the loss of such a amazing woman, let us remember her outlook on life and know that she is in better place! All our love!
Joyce Kopacz Sorensen November 6, 2014
I am thinking of all you at this time and wishing you comfort and peace. Extending my sincere sympathy. I had the privilege to first meet Tina through Holy Rosary Parish, and again when she was on teh Board of Directors for the Bradford HS Alumni Association where she was Pressident. She had great energy and was fun to be around. She will be missed!
Lynne Hudson November 6, 2014
My heartfelt sympathy to all the Metallo-Gjerdset family in the recent loss of a wonderful..beautiful..fun..interesting young lady.I had the honor of being her aunt for 26 years and enjoyed them all.Tina grew into a very giving and loving woman and I am so glad I had her in my life. This is a tragic loss to so many.My heart goes out to all her immediate family <husband and so many dear friends who loved her.She will dearly be missed by so many..So sorry for your loss..love to all the family and friends. Sincerely and with great sadness,,,Lynne Hudson