Thomas W. Kaszynski

Thomas Walter “TK” Kaszynski

Thomas Walter Kaszynski, age 71, of Peru, passed peacefully in his home on the evening of July 21, 2025.

Memorial Visitation will be Saturday August 2, 2025, from 1-3 PM, followed by a 3:00 PM service with Pastor Alex Garncarz officiating in the Ptak Funeral Home. Private Burial will be in Peru City Cemetery. Cremation rites have been accorded. Ptak Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements

Born March 7, 1954, to Francis and Rose (Krysiak) Kaszynski of Peru; as their second of three children and only son. Married to his soulmate, Gretchen (Meisenbach) in June of 1975, recently celebrating 50 years together. Along the way, they lovingly welcomed two daughters: Kylene and Jolene Kaszynski In his early years, Tom was not much of an institutionalist, and his free spirit only set ablaze his lust for adventures and traveling, with his second marriage being to his motorcycle. With Gretchen by his side, as well as many friends along the way, they visited the natural parks and attended countless concerts across North and Central America. Of all the traveling, Tom loved sharing the joys and knowledge of people’s culture the most. He loved photography and was so delicate with capturing people’s true essence in his candid shots. With a bad joke always in his back pocket, you know, his real hobby was being able to put a smile on your face. True to his Polish heritage, it would be hard to find a kinder or hardworking man; Tom was employed with Maze Nails in Peru, for over 40 years and never missed a day of work. Throughout his life, he remained solely dedicated to supporting his entire family, even whilst battling cancer. And in his silver years never missed a chance to tell his beloved grandchildren all about his wild life. Survived by his wife, Gretchen (Meisenbach) Kaszynski of Peru; his daughter Jolene (Bryan Hartnett) Kaszynski and former son-in-law Nicholus Willoughby and six grandchildren (Dylan, Rylan, Julyan, Cora, Ember and Lily) of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Collin and Zack Ward of Peru; and his sister Lynn Kaszynski of Peru. Preceded in death by his parents Frank and Rose (Krysiak) Kaszynski of Peru; his sister Joanne (Kaszynski) Marshall; and his daughter Kylene Kaszynski.

“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” - Anthony Bourdain