Service Details
A celebration of Moto’s life will be held at “The Lanes on 20” bowling center (6501 Washington Avenue in Racine) on Saturday, April 15th, 2023 from 4 pm to 8 pm.
Mount Pleasant – Thomas Stanley Kwas, age 76, affectionately known to many as “Moto”, passed away surrounded by love, after a brief illness, at Ascension All Saints Hospital on Friday, March 24, 2023.
Tom was born in Racine, WI on May 26, 1946 to the late Theophile and Mary (nee: Rorek) Kwas. After high school, he faithfully served our country with the United States Army Reserves. In earlier years he loved racing cars, was an avid skier and also owned and managed the ‘Handlebar’ on Douglas Ave. Tom was a very talented man. He was an accomplished carpenter & cabinet builder, with his handy work still in many homes and businesses throughout Racine County. He worked for Derse Exhibits, building and setting up trade show exhibits nationwide. After retirement, he continued using his skills with CCI part time and enjoyed helping with whatever projects they needed him to do. Tom was a passionate bowler! He bowled in several local leagues and many state and nationwide tournaments, celebrating a few 300 games along the way. He also served on the board of directors for the Greater Racine Bowling Association from 2009-2016. He enjoyed fishing, travel, working in his yard, many memorable bon fires, loved his music collection (also his new found friend Alexa) and made the best pierogi! He was a lifelong Packers fan and cheered on the Brewers and Badgers too. He enjoyed binge watching CSI, NCIS, & all the crime shows and was never without the love of a dog. Surviving are his daughter, Roxanne (Nicholas) Flores; special companion & best friend of 19 years, Julie Adamski and her children Stephanie (Troy) Engstrom, Tony Adamski and grandkids, Nick, Lukas and Evelyn; brother, Ted Kwas; sister, Toni Schmidt; niece and nephews, Debbie Mills & Michael Kwas, Damion Schmidt; many cousins & many, many dear friends.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Brigitte Kwas; and brother-in-law, George Schmidt.
“Say not in grief, he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was.”
A celebration of Moto’s life will be held at “The Lanes on 20” bowling center (6501 Washington Avenue in Racine) on Saturday, April 15th, 2023 from 4 pm to 8 pm.
Roxanne says
Love you Dad!
Damion A Schmidt says
I greatly appreciate the opportunity to get to know my uncle on a personal level. He taught me alot about who I was through my mothers side of my blood line. I will always and forever cherish bowling nights with him. To my uncle and my friend you will forever be part of my soul, my heart,and my wisdom. Although men seldom say it out loud” I love you.” I know you knew it. You are missed already. Your little nephew. D
Gil, Linda and Nick Spaulding says
Moto was the best man at my wedding in 1980. I bowled with MOTO many years and he always treated me like a younger brother. Spent many nights with him after bowling at the Handle Bar. I will miss my friend, and brother very much. He loved that nickname I gave him in 1979 at Paradise Lanes West currently The Lanes. He was the captain and what a great bunch of guys we had on the team. Dave, Ronny, Bob, Kool-aid and Captain MOTO. We all loved MOTO. What a great man, friend and so much fun to be around as many of us found out through the years.
You will be missed greatly my brother!!!!!!
Your up on Lane 25
Jamison, Ieshea, and Aya Grear says
I feel like our neighbor Tom needs some recognition from the community. We were his neighbors. He was a good man.
Idk what to say. I’m in disbelief. In 41yrs of my life I can’t say I had a better neighbor than Tom. I’m fighting back tears right now. We are all going to miss him. Me, my wife, my daughter, and I’m sure our dog, Forrest. The stories we shared with him, and the stories he shared with us…He was a very kind hearted and positive person with every interaction. I’m gonna miss helping him with his yardwork, and getting to know more about who he was. I can tell livelyhood was important to him. He had so many plans for his property and future. He also loves dogs. I’ll miss the days he used to yell “Reggie Come!” Lol. Because his dog was old and hard of hearing. On some days it brought entertainment to my family. Lol. Then when his dog passed away, he took a liking to our dog Forrest. Forrest grew a connection to him. Until this day our dog looks for him. Toms passing feels too soon. But in reading the obituary, he has accomplished so many things in life.
He has many things to be proud of.
Tom has shared stories with us about how this used to be farmland, until what it is now. He told us stories about how he used to help the old lady that lived in our house decades ago. And how he used to help her maintain her property. He also shared with us that he used to want to buy this property.. until the old lady passed and someone else bought the property 1st before us.
He has a legacy. He is a great example of what it means to care about your commmunity.
And when I read this…
This says it best…
“Say not in grief, he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was.”
I can only hope this is qouted in my death someday as well. “Say not in grief, he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was.” It makes so much sense. All we can do is be grateful we were his neighbor. Be proud of your father. We are thankfull of having and knowing Tom in our lives!
Jessica Cranley says
So sorry for your loss.
Chuck rorek says
Sorry for your loss
Anonymous says
Moto will be sorely missed. He was a very special and loving man. I am very happy to have known him. RIP Moto
Debbie (Rorek) Albright & Family says
Sorry for your loss…
Anonymous says
Love & miss you!! your Angel