Thomas R. Klocek, age 82 of Monroe, passed away Friday, December 24, 2021 in his home.
Born March 7, 1939 in Wells, MN, Tom was the son of the late Joseph and Lydia (Kalis) Klocek. He graduated from Wells High School in 1957 and enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from Dec. 31, 1958 until being honorably discharged on Mar. 23, 1962. A few months later, he married Helen M. Gilbert on June 30, 1962 in Albert Lea, MN. Together they raised five children. Sadly, she preceded Tom in death on Sept. 18, 2020.
Tom was employed by Ford Motor Co. in Monroe, retiring in 2001 after 30 years of employment. He was a member of St. Gabriel Parish in Ida, UAW Local 723, Monroe Council 1266 Knights of Columbus, and the Lynn C. Weeman American Legion Post 514.
Tom was an avid Minnesota Vikings Football fan and vegetable gardener. He also enjoyed baking cakes which he would donate to the annual Lenten fish fry dinners at St. Gabriel Parish (St. Joseph Catholic Church) in Ida.
Tom is survived by his children: Thomas (Terry) Klocek of Newport, Paul (Terri) Klocek of Ida, Colleen Klocek of Toledo, John Klocek of Sterling Heights, and Richard Klocek of Temperance; seven siblings: Joe (Bev) Klocek of Bloomington, MN, Dennis (Dori) Klocek of Albert Lea, MN, Sally Trelfa of Harrison Twp., MI, Mary Klocek of Minneapolis, MN, Jeanette (Don) Meurer of Hastings, MN, Dort (Mike) Gilles of Columbia, TN, and Linda (Clair) Severson of Hastings, MN; 17 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents and wife Helen, Tom was also preceded in death by a granddaughter, Chelsea Klocek, and two brothers, Mark and David Klocek.
Family and friends may visit from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29th at Bacarella Funeral Home where Monroe Council 1266 Knights of Columbus will recite a Litany/Rosary service at 7 p.m. Tom will lie in state at 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Gabriel Parish, Ida Campus. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. by the church pastor, Rev. Fr. Gerard Cupple. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park with military honors provided by Monroe VFW Post 1138.
For anyone wanting to make a memorial donation, the family suggests supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Association.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .