R. Thomas "Tom" Paluska

R. Thomas “Tom” Paluska, Sr., 80, of Washington, died at 4:59 AM on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at Snyder Village in Metamora, IL. Born on May 23, 1926 in Roanoke, Illinois to Frank and Juanita Girardi Paluska, he married Goldie B. Schuler on September 7, 1944 in Peoria, IL. She survives. Also surviving are 3 sons, R. Thomas (Bev) Paluska of Washington, IL, Glenn Paluska of Carefree, AZ, and Mark (Lori) Paluska of Azel, TX; 3 daughters, Marsha Paluska of Austin, TX, Paula Paluska of Goodfield, IL, and Mary Metcalf of Littleton, CO; 3 grandsons, Matthew (Christine) Paluska, Scott Paluska, and Jeffery Hewitt; 8 granddaughters, Marissa Metcalf, Michelle (Scott) Olson, Corrin Paluska, Jessica Paluska, Lacey Paluska, Sasha Paluska, Gina (Eric) Sawchuk, and Amanda Hewitt; 6 great-grandchildren, Daniel, Grace and Thomas Sawchuk, Ian and Jamie Olson, and Samuel Paluska. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, George "Bud" Paluska. He served in the US Navy from 1944-1946. He graduated from the Illinois Institute of Technology with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was employed by Caterpillar Tractor Co for 46 years before retiring from the Engine Division in 1988. He was a member of SAE and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. He was a member of the 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus, Fr. John Menco Council #6707 in Washington and the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Spalding Council, where he held several offices. He felt very privileged to serve on the honor guard for Mother Theresa when she came to visit Peoria in 1995. He volunteered at OSF St. Francis Hospital for many years. He enjoyed jogging and running and earned many trophies in his 15 year running history. He also enjoyed mountain climbing, snow skiing, and hunting. He was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington, where a funeral mass will be held at 10 AM on Friday, June 23, 2006. The Rev. Fr. Gary Caster will officiate. Visitation will be held from 6 - 8 PM on Thursday, June 22 at Deiters Funeral Home in Washington. A rosary service will be held at 8 PM, following visitation at the funeral home. Additional visitation will be held one hour prior to services, from 9-10 AM, at the church on Friday. Entombment will be at Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria, IL.

R. Thomas "Tom" Paluska

May 23, 1926 - June 20, 2006