Thomas Wencewicz

Thomas Vincent Wencewicz, 79, of Cape Girardeau passed away Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

Thomas was born to Casimir Paul and Helen Catherine Bialczak Wencewicz in St. Louis on Sept. 21, 1942. He and Dorothy "Dotty" Clara Bergfeld were united in marriage Aug. 27, 1966, at St. Anthony's Church in St. Louis. They resided in Cape Girardeau.

Thomas graduated from St. Louis University High School in 1960. He graduated from St. Louis University with a bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1964. He earned a master's degree at St. Louis University and did post-graduate work at University of Missouri-Columbia.

Tom worked as a professor of mathematics at Southeast Missouri State University for 42 years, and he loved teaching.

He was a faithful member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church for 55 years and volunteered his time in music ministry, playing guitar and singing at Mass for close to 50 years. True to his Polish heritage, he played the accordion since his childhood years, playing Polish polkas in a band during his college years and playing Christmas music at St. Vincent's Grade School and other events.

Tom was an avid railroad fan and enjoyed going to train shows. He loved all sports, and especially loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals and Blues. He also enjoyed playing racquetball with family and getting together with the retired members of Southeast's Math Department.

His true love and top priority, however, was spending time with his family. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and spent years coaching his children's sports teams, attending school events, and tutoring in math. He loved his sister and her family and all of his aunts, uncles and cousins. He was truly happiest when surrounded by his family.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Dotty; sister, Helen (Joseph) Lefler of St. Louis; children, Ruth Ann (Michael) Hester of Cape Girardeau, Amy (Jeff) Worley of Jackson, Sara (Tom) Cook of Jackson, Katie (Robert) Michael of Cape Girardeau, Tommy (Cari) Wencewicz of Edwardsville, Illinois, and Timmy (Rachel) Wencewicz of St. Louis; grandchildren, Theresa (Dustin) Fornkohl, Paul Mier, Christian Hester, Michaela Mansker, Jessica (Zach) Watkins, Adam and Elecia Worley, Jamison Ashworth, Sophie Cook, Abigail and Lillian Michael, Eric and Aiden Wencewicz, Grace, Lucy, Emory and Benjamin Wencewicz; and great-grandchildren, Persephone Mansker, Brecken and Blair Fornkohl and one on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Mary Catherine; and another unborn child.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Grade School for the Thomas and Dorothy Wencewicz Legacy Scholarship, Notre Dame Regional High School Education Fund Foundation and Birthright.

Visitation is will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, May 1 at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home with parish prayers at 7 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Vincent de Paul Church, with the Rev. Rick Jones officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.