"Penelope, Kaleb, Kata and Chance: I am shocked over the news of Tom's Accident. Words cannot express how I feel for you guys!!! Tom was one in a million...his sense of humor and laughter will remain with us forever. That little "hootenanny" will be GREATLY missed! He had a name (or a saying)and a smile for everyone~ Our prayers go out to the "Conway family". Love you guys!!!"
In loving memory of
Tom Conway
April 30, 2011
Thomas Joseph Conway, age 52, of Shakopee, MN, formerly of Melrose died on Saturday, April 30, 2011 in Belle Plain, MN as a result of a motorcycle accident. Tom was born on July 3, 1958 in Chariton to James and Harriett (Ango) Conway.
Tom grew up in Melrose and graduated from Albia High School, class of 1976. He married Penelope Pasut on July 3, 1984 and they were blessed with two children: Kaleb and Kata. Tom was a carpenter/welder and was employed with Minute-Ogle. He was a member of the Carpenter Local Union #68. Tom loved Harley Davidson's, bird watching, and spending time with family and friends. His humor and laughter was truly infectious.
He is survived by his beloved family, Penelope of Shakopee, children: Kaleb and Kata Conway, and grandson Chance Lee, all of Shakopee; siblings: Cathy (Bob) Garcia of Michigan, Albert (Lynda) Conway of Oregon, Carol (Mike) Kollings of Des Moines, Melissa (Todd) Rieger of Des Moines, Father and Mother in laws, John (Marge) Pasut of Albia; two god daughters, Abbey Rockwell and Emily Patton both of Albia, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents: James and Harriett.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Albia with Rev. Bernie Weir officiating. Tom's Body will be cremated following services. There will be a funeral luncheon following services in the St Mary's Catholic Church hall. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 6, 2011, opening to the public at 9:00 a.m. and the family will be present from 6-8 p.m. There will be a Rosary at 4:00 p.m. and a Christian Wake Service held at 7:00 p.m. at the Sinnott Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Albia.
Memorials may be directed to Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Melrose. Online condolences may be left for the family at sinnottpierschbacher.com.
Tributes
"I just returned from Tom's wonderful Visitation and Service. I alway liked Tom and his family, though I'd see them only when they visited Mike and Carol. After hearing the comments of his cousin Chris, I now understand why I liked Tom, the rascal, so much and Penny, Kalib, and Kata. Kalib nailed it when he said the lesson to be learned from his dad's life and death was: We don't know when life will end, so let's enjoy all of it! Thanks, Tom. Peace, Charlie "
"Dearest Penelope, Kaleb, Kata and Chance, Mr. Tom brought so much fun and laughter to Brad and Shane during the long driving hours to and from the Minuti-Ogle job site in Cedar Rapids, IA every Monday and Friday since August, never a dull moment! Can you just imagine the three of them living together as well? Just hearing about their conversations and stories always made me laugh! During snow storms Tom would be given the task of driving and he got the three of them home safe through every storm. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathy to you all. May the precious memories of Tom bring smiles to your faces in the days and years to come. Brad and I loved Tom so very much, what a terrible loss. With all of our love ~ Brad, Mary, Chad and Logan Bohn ~ New Prague, MN"
"Penelope, Kaleb & Kata, I am so sorry to hear about Tom. My prayers for your family during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed. You may our family sympathy."
"I am so sorry for your loss, stay strong and cherish every moment you had together. ~Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are okay. "
"We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Jed worked with Tom at Minuti-Ogle and we sat with Tom & Penelope at Minuti's 100th Anniversary party. He was a very out-going guy. Our thoughts are with you and he will be missed."
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to all you. Tom was so friendly, and genuine...and I know you will all miss him greatly. I am so very sorry for your loss."
"Dear friends, I can't tell you how sorry we are to hear about this terrible accident. "Wilber" and I had worked together for a long time. He taught me how to weld. We always had fun working together and I will never forget him. Just know that we are thinking of your whole family through this most difficult time. I wish words could make things better. John & Mary Hager"
"Penny and Family..This loss has been a reminder of how precious life is. We missed you guys at the fish fry this year. I hope you know you are a part of our family and I hope you will always feel welcomed to join in our family events. We wish you peace during this difficult time. We love you very much and your family will be in our thoughts in prayers!"
"I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. Although I had not seen the family in some time my fist thougth was of Tom and how happy he was all the time and his funny gestures. He was always able to bring a smile to your face. It was great fun spending time on the deck on Roundhouse Circle. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "
"Dearest Penelope and Family, We are so sorry to hear about the passing of dear Tom. We shared so many fun memories and good times with the two of you over the past 12 years...Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Kim and Bob"
"Tommy always stayed with us over Thanksgiving or Christmas and he was a breath of fresh air to be around - like a ray of sunshine, lightening the mood where ever he went. I'll miss the thoughtfulness and playfulness of his genuinely unique, memorable soul. Our family will miss Tommy so, so much and our deepest thoughts and prayers are with Penny, Kaleb, Kata and Chance."
"Penny and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Tom was always such an upbeat individual and always had a smile on his face. I'll always remember the fun that we had in band and especially the band trips. He was an awesome drummer. Again you have my sincere sympathy. Kathy Lientz"
"Penny and Family, So sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Tom. I know you will miss him greatly! There are really no words to say that can ease your pain. Just wanted you to know you are in our thoughts and Prayers! Brad and Terri"
"Penny and family, We were so shocked to hear of your unexpected loss. We are so very sorry. Tom will be missed greatly by all of us who knew him. You have our sincere sympathy. Jamie & Jeff Baker "
"Penny and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with all of you during this time. I am so ever grateful that I was introduced to you two a few summers ago and I will always cherish our motorcycle rides. Tom's laughter, kindess, and smiles will never be forgotten. "