Thomas J. Vasichek

Thomas J. Vasichek died unexpectedly on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at his home in Lakota, ND.  He was born May 11, 1937 to James and Rose (Bina) Vasichek at Lakota.  Growing up on a farm, he attended school at country school Perth #99, and at Whitman, ND, graduating from Michigan High School in 1955.  After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army from 1956 through 1958, stationed in Germany.  After his discharge Tom married Jeanne Kroke and together they raised three wonderful children, Judy, Todd, and Natalie.  Tom farmed for a number of years, later moving into Michigan, ND, where he started work as a bulk oil delivery man.  In 1986, Tom married Linda (Johnson) Matejcek.  During their married life, he worked as a semi-driver hauling grain for Garry Haugland and Orville Peterson; and as a farm worker for local farmers Robbin McMorran and Gordon Nelson, before taking a job with Nelson County as a blade operator.  He retired from the county in 2004 due to health problems and enjoyed his retirement visiting with everyone and working in his shop.

Tom loved music, Czech music in particular.  He played saxophone, and had refurbished and learned to play a clarinet as well when he was 60.  He was a master of the 2 hour Czech goodbye, often leaving those he was with somewhat stranded until the final goodbye had been spoken.  The honest truth about Tom was that he never met a stranger!

A farmer at heart, he also enjoyed putting in a garden each spring, and had recently acquired a very sturdy raised garden, allowing him easy access to the fruits of his labors.  Tom’s warmth, friendliness, and devilish good humor will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.  He was a member of Lakota Lutheran Church, the Michigan American Legion, and the Stump Lake Tractor Club.

Tom is survived by his wife, Linda of Lakota, ND; children, Judy (Pete) Polansky of Bismarck, ND, Todd (Lisa) Vasichek and Natalie (Corey) Schultz, all of West Fargo, ND; stepdaughters, Paula (Dave) Bosh of Minot, ND and Valarie Matejcek (special friend Roy Gerszewski) of Grand Forks, ND; brothers, Jim (Norma) Vasichek, Dick (Bonnie) Vasichek, and Bob (Carmen) Vasichek, all of Michigan, ND; grandchildren, Carly Thompson (special friend Erik Carlson), Joseph Thompson (special friend Naomi Kosen), Nicholas Schultz (fiancée Christine Tolles), Brady Vasichek, Taylor Vasichek, Erin (Kris) Schriock, Amanda Burke, and Cynthia Burke; great-grandchildren, Josie, Avery, and Maximus Schriock; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a nephew, Jeff Vasichek; a great-niece, Josie Greenwood; and his faithful companions through the years, Coco, Buster, Bummer, and Katie, who are all greeting him now.

A Prayer Service will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at 5:00 p.m.  Visitation will follow the service Wednesday evening.  The Memorial Service will be held at the Lakota Lutheran Church on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will be in the spring at the Lakota Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Stump Lake Tractor Club, 10540 - 34th Street NE, Lakota, ND 58344

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