Tomek, George

George Tomek, 76, of Wheaton, Ill., passed away at home Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009, surrounded by his loving family, after fighting the complications of diabetes for many years. Services have taken place.

 George was born Dec. 31, 1932, in Prague, Czechoslovakia, the son of the late Frank and Vera (Cendelin). He fled communistic Czechoslovakia in 1949. After residing in Austria and Canada, he emigrated to the U.S. in November 1954. Pat, his pen pal of six years, met him in Chicago his day of arrival. They married on June 11, 1955, in Elm Grove, Wis. He proudly became a naturalized citizen on Jan. 20, 1959. He had a passion for soccer, having played for Sparta of Czechoslovakia, Canada, and Sparta ABA in Chicago. In 1972, his dream was realized when he started his tool and die business. He was owner and president of Masterite Tool & Manufacturing in Franklin Park, Ill., until his death.

A 2002 highlight was his first and only return to his homeland to visit his relatives, childhood friends, and footsteps of his youth. He never lost his taste for Czech food, often preparing it for family gatherings. He enjoyed classical piano, country music, and watching his families' activities, particularly wrestling and soccer. His family always came first.

He will be remembered not only for his generosity, but also his endless humor, and goodness to others, particularly the less fortunate. He will be deeply missed.

George was the beloved husband of Bernadine “Pat” (Shields) for 54 years; devoted father of Suzanne (Dale) Rohlfing of Rochester Minn., Kathleen of Naperville, Ill., David (Lisa) of St. Charles, Ill., Christine of Oak Park, Ill., Anne-Marie (Brian) Erdman of Wheaton, Ill., and Phillip (Srey-Nang) of Camas, Wash.; cherished grandfather of Jessica, David and Katherine Rohlfing, Christopher and Emily Tomek, Erika Lindemann and Mary and Rachel Erdman; dear brother of Milada Kabelacova of Czech Republic; niece, Paula, and nephews, Jiri, Martin, and Josef.