Racine- Thomas J. Peksa, Sr., 73, passed away at Ridgewood Care Center on Thursday, November 13, 2008 following a courageous battle with cancer. Tom was born in Milwaukee on November 26, 1934 to the late Paul and Lucille (nee: Rychwalski) Peksa. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1952. On August 22, 1953, Tom was united in marriage with the love of his life, June M. Basel. A successful salesman, Tom had a lifetime career with Novak Appliance, Lathrop Furniture and Colder’s. Among his interests, he enjoyed fishing, golfing, gardening and trying his luck at Potawatomi. Above all, Tom loved and cherished being in the surroundings of his entire family. Surviving are his loving wife of 55 years, June; their daughters, Cynthia (Dan) McCabe, Laura (Frank) Anchondo and Patricia Peksa; grandchildren, Michelle (Dan) Pederson, Dan (Stephanie) McCabe and Sara McCabe; Brian (Denise), Brenda, Thomas and Robyn Anchondo; Ryan (Terri) Peksa and Ashley Otwaska; 8 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Beatrice Doss and Dolores (Edward) Verna; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Tom was preceded in death by his beloved son, Thomas Jr., on October 25, 2006; and brother-in-law, Bill Doss. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home on Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 7:00 pm with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday from 5-7 pm. Private interment will take place in Holy Family Cemetery. A special note of thanks to Drs. Howard Short, Richard Odders and Douglas Puffer; the entire staff at All Saints Cancer Center; All Saints Medical Center- especially Jeff Willis and 2D caregivers ; and Ridgewood Care Center. Above all, Tom’s daughters want to thank their mother, June, for motivating and tirelessly caring for Dad at home for the past 3 years. You are truly an inspiration!
Scott Jensen says
Tom was a wonderful man, and an even better friend! He was an inspiration to me for many years. He will be sorely missed. Tom and June were more than friends to me. They are like family. And loved dearly. You are in a better place now Tom. Save me a seat with a bowl of meat and cheese and a few breadsticks. We all will miss you.
Gary and Bonnie Reimann says
Our dear friends, our previous neighbors of 12 years. So many memories! We remember Tom enjoying the summer months. He loved the sun and the heat.(It gave him the excuse to mow the lawn and work on his pool.) We remember the time he spent swimming in the pool with his grandkids, laughing and enjoying the time he spent with them. We remember how he enjoyed entertaining and being around people. We remember his ritual of making chicken soup every week. We remember his sense of humor, his laugh, his jokes. We remember his love for his dogs. He loved his German Shepards, but hated our little Terrior (which we teased back and forth about:))It has been 18 years since we moved to Oregon, yet these memories seem like yesterday. These fond memories(and there are many more) will be locked in our hearts forever!! We will miss you Tom! Love from Oregon, Gary and Bonnie
Dolores & Eddie says
Tom, you will be missed but you are finally at peace with no more suffering. You put up a vallient fight for the last 3 years.
I am sure that God has a great cook that can make you some good Italian Beef Sandwiches.
Fr. Jim McCabe says
My sympathy and prayers to the family. I will say Mass for Tom on Monday. May he rest in peace.
Donna Holweger says
Dad, I will never forget the first time Tommy brought me down to meet you & mom. I was expecting you to look like the man in the family picture on the wall, but when I walked into the kitchen what did I see…but a shorter version of my Tommy!!! You are now home with your son and our Father, and no more pain and suffering. You will be missed by many, but never forgotten and always loved deeply by your family. And to Mom…you are in my prayers, and I hope you will find some comfort in knowing that Dad & Tommy will always be with you in spirit! Watching you & protecting you for always. Love You!
Skip and Cindy McCabe says
Cindy, our deepest sympathies for you and your entire family. Please pass this message onto June. May God heal the wounds, comfort you and keep you in perfect peace!