Thomas J. 'Tom' Hayek, 73
Thomas J. "Tom" Hayek, 73, passed away Saturday, April 4, 2009, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center in Kalispell, following a heart attack. He was born Feb. 21, 1936, in St. Paul, Minn., to Joseph and Rose (Atz) Hayek.
Tom spent his school years in St. Paul, and at the age of 17 joined the Marine Corps.
While they were both stationed in San Diego, he met and married Peggy Darlene Dodd. Peggy and Tom had four children. In the early years of their marriage, Tom served two tours in Vietnam, rising to the rank of master sergeant. He retired from the Marines after 20 years of service.
Tom and his family moved to Somers in 1973 and have lived here since. Until retirement at 62, Tom worked for Northern Energy.
Tom enjoyed camping and fishing. He spent many hours woodworking and playing with his grandchildren. His family was the most important aspect of his life. His wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were what he lived for.
Anyone who knew Tom had a brighter day after spending time with him. His sense of humor was infectious.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Gene; a grandson, Brad Williams; and a great-granddaughter, Korbyn Williams.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy, of Somers; three sons, Lonnie and wife, Carla, Rusty and partner, Barb Handford, and Doug and wife, Melanie; one daughter, Wendy Kienas, and husband, Bob; 12 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Art Hayek, and wife, Linda; and sister-in-law Jerry Bunker, and husband, Don; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Graveside services for Tom will be held at 2 p.m. today, April 8, at Glacier Memorial Gardens, with Jamie Wood of the Christian Center Assembly of God officiating. A reception for family and friends will follow at Vista Linda in Somers. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to noon today in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Tom's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and sign Tom's guest book.