"To a great and knowledgeable man. I will miss our conversations and arguments on American History. How ironic that the last time I saw you was at the movie "Lincoln". I wish I could have stopped to visit, and unfortunately I am beating myself up about not doing so. Good lesson learned in how to not get caught up in life and to make time for your friends. My thoughts and prayers are with Tom's wife, Sue, his family, and his friends. Godspeed Tom, until we meet again. It's never goodbye...just "see ya later". "
In loving memory of
Thomas Paul Grekso
August 29, 1946 - December 11, 2013
Thomas Grekso, of White Lake, died Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at his home under the care of his wife and LeRoyer Hospice. He was 67 years old. He was born on August 29, 1946 in Waukegan, Illinois a son of Andrew and Elizabeth (Grissom) Grekso.
He graduated from Waukegan High School and received a bachelors degree in education from Western Illinois University. Mr. Grekso taught sixth grade in Waukegan for 31 years retiring in 2001.
He purchased the former Cozy Corner grade school in the town of Evergreen and remodeled it into his retirement home. On November 15, 2002 he married Susan Krause in Antigo, and she survives.
Survivors including his wife are a daughter Elizabeth Grekso, Minneapolis, Minnesota; a son John (Jessica) Grekso, Germantown; two granddaughters Zoey and Evelyn; two step-daughters Jennifer Krause, Round Lake Beach, Illinois and Amy (Matthew) Kinsch, Rhinelander; three step-grandchildren William, Anthony and Jasmin.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister in infancy.
A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in White Lake with Rev. Roger Strebel and Rev. Luke Ferris officiating. Burial will take place in St. Joseph Cemetery in Elton in spring.
Visitation will be Monday from 3:30 - 7 p.m. at Bradley Funeral Home and Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at the church.
A prayer service will be held on Monday at 6 p.m. at the funeral home.
Tributes
"Always enjoyed anytime spent with Tom and Marcia. I'm so happy he fulfilled his dream of living in the "schoolhouse". Whenever I'd see him walking around the block, he'd always let me know the number of days till retirement. Wonderful man and family."
"I was always be thankful for the support of Tom and Marcia during a challenging time in my life. They encouraged me when I most needed help. My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. "
"John brought me up to the school house to meet his Dad and sister, Liz, after a few months together. I liked always knowing that when we'd be up there, Saturday night's meal would always be steak, baked potato and maybe a vegetable. They liked to tell me stories about how it was like before the school house was rebuilt, and how they would all come up every weekend and every summer. Don't worry, Tom - I will make sure everyone still hears about that one time at Taco Bell with Liz... =)"
"I loved Tom's cooking, it was always a tasty surprise. Thank-you Tom for bringing us to the beautiful U.P. it's our new favorite spot! You will be sorely missed but you're at peace."
"I loved having Tom, Marcia, John and Elizabeth as next door neighbors. Tom always had great gardening tips and introduced me to swiss chard. It's one of my favorite vegetables now."
"Some of my earliest memories are my parents and I spending time with Cousin Tommy, Uncle Doc and Aunt Betty. Tom was the "big brother" I never had. There never was a dull moment! We may have been far apart geograpically at times, but the Waukegan/White Lake Grekso's were always in our thoughts and hearts. Some of my husband John's fondest memories are helping Tom make the schoolhouse livable back in the days of the outhouse. Liz, John and Sue - our deepest sympathy and prayers are with you. "
"Our thoughts are with you, John, Jessica and Liz. "
"My condolences to Tom's family and friends. Tom, you fought a good battle. I know you will be missed and that you wanted to be here Monday for the birth of your 3rd grandchild. From one grandparent to another, when the new baby arrives Monday I will give him or her a kiss from you and promise to help the grandkids remember Grandpa Grekso."
"Many cherished memories with the Grekso's, Harts, and Karwoski's in Mqt., Mi at Art on the Rocks!!! In Eagle River at the park having picnics!! Tom was a great guy & an awesome dad!!! You will be missed Tom Grekso!!!"
"Mike and I enjoyed Tom and Marcia as neighbors and good friends, back in the day. Tom's "man cave" was his garage. You could always find him there on Fall Sundays listening to the Packer game on the radio and hoisting a cold one or two to the Green & Gold. At Christmas he made his version of Glogg to warm the insides of his neighbors, and many stories and jokes were swapped. It was sad to see him leave the neighborhood, but he and Sue had many adventures to pursue at the schoolhouse. Tom was a great guy!"
"Sue - so glad you were able to be with Tom during these days and how wonderful that he was still able to affirm his love to you. May these memories help during the hard times. "
"My condolences to John,Jessica and girls, Liz, and Sue. My thoughts are with you at this time. Gram LeLe"
"My deepest sympathy to Sue, Liz, and John. Tom was such fun loving man with a great sense of humor. May he rest in peace. "
"So sorry for your loss. God will guide you through these tough times. Our thoughts and prayers to you and your family."
"My husband told me that he loved me more than anything else. He was a good man. I was holding his hand and talking to him when he took his last breath last night. I will always remember all of the wonderful times we spent together."
"I have many good memories of being together with Tom, Marcia, John, and Liz through the years, along with the rest of the Hart family. I am also glad that he found happiness with Sue, following Marcia's death. Tom was a good man. Our thoughts and good wishes go out to all of you. Patti Karwoski, Lee Ballon, and Jessica Hanold "