Thomas Eugene Scieszinski

Thomas Eugene Scieszinski, age 90, died Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at his residence in Albia, Iowa. Tom was born on May 26, 1918, on a farm near Melrose to Joseph P. and Margaret R. (O'Brien) Scieszinski. Tom graduated from Melrose High School and attended William Penn University and received his Teaching Certificate. Tom taught in the country school for five years in Wayne Township. He was a farmer in the Melrose community. Tom married Grace Cathren Feehan on December 31, 1941 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia. They were united in marriage for 63 years, before Grace died May 27, 2004. Tom was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia, and an associate of the Knights of Columbus, Council 4167 of Albia. He enjoyed playing cards, visiting with family and friends, and watching baseball. Tom was partial to the St. Louis Cardinals and the Iowa Hawkeyes. He entertained and educated those around him with a disarming wit. After his retirement from farming, Tom revived his mother's art of designing and hooking colorful rag rugs that he generously shared with family and friends. Tom is survived by his two children, Dr. John J. Scieszinski and his wife Hon. Annette J. Scieszinski of Albia, Mary Phyllis Kearney and her husband David Kearney of Byron, IL; 6 grandchildren; Lauren Bennett and her husband Mitch; Susan, Brooke, and Caroline. Scieszinski; William, and Kerri Lyn Kearney; and 2 great grandchildren, Emily, and Paige Bennett. Tom is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and his last dog Maggie. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; three brothers, Pat, Leo, and Paul; and four sisters, Marie, Josephine, Katherine, and Margaret. Funeral services will be held at 10:30A.M., Saturday, February 28, 2009, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia, with Rev. Michael E. Volkmer C.PP.S. officiating. Burial will follow services at St. Mary's Cemetery of Albia, Iowa. Following the burial there will be a luncheon at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 11:00 A.M., Friday, February 27, 2009 at the Winfield Funeral Home in Albia. Tom's family will be present throughout the day and evening. A rosary will be led Friday at 4:00 P.M., by the St. Mary's Altar and Rosary Society, and a Christian Wake Service will also be held at the funeral home, Friday evening at 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be made in memory of Tom Scieszinski to build a picnic shelter at the Albia City Park, in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Albia.

Thomas Eugene Scieszinski

May 26, 1918 - February 25, 2009