Thomas Gerald Pociecha, Jr.

Thomas Gerald Pociecha Jr of Blue Grass, IA died suddenly on December 5, 2023 at the University of Iowa Hospital.  Thomas, more commonly known as Tom or Tommy, was born January 2, 1970 in Mt.Prospect, IL to Thomas and Margaret (Swiech) Pociecha.  He spent his childhood growing up in Mt. Carroll IL and graduated from high school there in 1988.  After high school Tom earned an associate degree from Sauk Valley Community College and then went on to Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL for further studies.  Early in his life Tom was diagnosed with Juvenile Type I Diabetes but that never stopped him from living life to the fullest.  On August 10, 2006, Tom received a kidney and pancreas transplant from two different donors with the kidney being donated by a very dear college friend.  The transplant effectively ended Tom’s diabetes.

Tom was married to Andrea Peck on September 4, 2004 in Chanhassen, MN.  From their union there were 3 kids: Payton Jordan, Brian Clinton and Trey Thomas.  Tom named each of his children with purpose and meaning. When asked Tom would proudly explain why he named each child.  His children were his greatest pride and joy.  Tom absolutely loved being a stay-at-home dad these past three years.  He enjoyed teaching and sharing his wisdom and skills with the children.  Tom could regularly be seen passionately encouraging the kids at their many athletic events.

Tom was also an avid Chicago Bears and Cubs fan.  He loved the teams so much that it was said he added this devotion to his wedding vows, encouraging Andrea to be a fan as well.  Tom made it a tradition to watch the first game of the Chicago Bears season with his dad, uncle, cousins, and friends.  Tom’s distain for Green Bay Packers would often surface in the jovial friendly banter between him and his stepmother, a devout Packers fan. Tom was able to be in Chicago for multiple games for the Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series run.  He often would talk of how amazing the experience was for him. 

Earlier in his life, Tom was an accomplished bowler.  He bowled a perfect 300 game in sanctioned league play.  This despite having a finger amputated due to a cat bite infection on his bowling hand. 

Tom not only leaves behind his wife, Andrea; daughter, Payton; and sons, Brian and Trey but also family and friends he cherished.  He had a special bond with many of his high school classmates as well as some friends and their families he met when attending Sauk Valley and Western Illinois University.  Before moving to Iowa in 2020, Tom spent over two decades in Minnesota.  There he made connections with many people both through work and by being a good neighbor. This was recently continuing in Iowa through the kids sports and by helping families get their children to school. It was not uncommon to find him sitting in a chair by a firepit talking after pulling more than needed food off the grill.  Tom made sure every person he interacted with felt heard and loved.

Tom was proceeded in death by his father, Thomas Pociecha, and mother, Margret Pociecha.  He was also proceeded in death by other people important to him and his family including uncles and grandparents, as well as some close friends that were more like family. 

Memorial Mass will be held at 10 am, Tuesday, December 19^th at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Blue Grass IA.  Visitation will be held from 5-7 pm, Monday, December 18th at the church. Per his wishes cremation rites have been accorded.

A memorial is being set up in his name for his children at the Blue Grass Savings Bank.