Thomas E. Pexa, age 81, of New Prague died peacefully at home with his family at his side on Thursday, April 27, 2023. Tom was born on May 22, 1941 in New Prague to Joseph S. and Helen M. (Hanzlik) Pexa. He attended St. Wenceslaus Catholic School and graduated from New Prague High School. Tom met his future wife Margie Pavek at a Park Ballroom dance in 1963, and the couple later married on September 10, 1966 at Most Holy Trinity Church in Veseli. Married for 56 years, Tom's marriage to Margie created the foundation on which he centered his love and built his life.
Tom worked for many years at Rosemount, Inc. "making airplane parts," as his children would say. Later, he formed and operated Pexa Construction. When his son took over the business, Tom worked in maintenance and as a boiler operator for Bachman Florist. In retirement, he found great enjoyment working maintenance at Philipp Square.
Tom's faith was important to him and he lived it through active involvement with St. Wenceslaus in various leadership roles, including service on the school board, on the festival "Top 6," and as a member of the funeral choir. He was a member of the 3rd and 4th degree Knights of Columbus, serving as 3rd degree Grand Knight. He particularly enjoyed chairing the chicken barbeque for the Knights for many years. Further active in his community, Tom was proud to be a member and treasurer of the New Prague Rural Fire Association Board for over 20 years. His love of fishing fed into serving as an enthusiastic volunteer with the "Let's Go Fishing" program for seniors and veterans.
Tom got his greatest enjoyment from activities that included his family and friends. From the time his children were little, camping, road trips, and getaways to the Pexa cabin in McGregor were favorite pastimes. In later years, he and Margie looked forward to traveling to see their children across the world, with trips to Rwanda, Alaska, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and throughout Europe and the U.S. He also enjoyed gardening and then sharing his garden's bounty. In retirement, Tom's morning always began with a cup of coffee with his buddies at Lau's Bakery. Playing cards with family and friends was also a favorite pastime, including participating in several card groups, and playing sheephead at City Club every Tuesday and Thursday. Mechanically inclined, Tom was always busy, fixing just about anything. When his projects were few, Tom continued his tinkering, creating contraptions to outsmart the squirrels from raiding the birdfeeders. However, beyond all his pastimes, his greatest enjoyment came from time with his family; they were the center of his world.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Margie (Pavek) of New Prague; children, Deb Pexa (Ray Cox) of New Prague, Tom (Nancy) Pexa of New Prague, Rick Pexa of New Prague, and Annie Pexa (Dave Swan) of Ventura, CA: 6 grandchildren, Mike (Sarah) Callahan, Terry (Jess) Callahan, Henry Cox, TJ Pexa, Anna Cox and Lainey Swan; 3 great-grandchildren, Kayla Callahan, Jackie Callahan, and Arthur Callahan; sister, Gail (Keith) Setterstrom of Northfield; and brother-and-sister-in-law, Bob & Colleen Pavek of Montgomery. He is preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Donald Pexa and Joseph Pexa, Jr.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, May 5, 2023 at 10 AM at St. Wenceslaus Church with Father Eugene Theisen officiating. Mass will be live-streamed on npcatholic.org. Visitation will take place Thursday from 4-7 PM and Friday morning from 7:30 - 9:30 at Bruzek Funeral Home. Burial will occur at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery followed by lunch at the KC Hall.
