Thomas John Schramek

1952 - 2015

THOMAS JOHN SCHRAMEK died in the very early hours of January 24, 2015 after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on September 16, 1952. Dick and Elaine Schramek were amazing parents. Tommy and his older brother Jimmy enjoyed an enviable family life until, on a snowy early March drive back home from visiting relatives in Owatonna, Minnesota, a crash ended Elaine's life while she shielded Tommy's 9 year old body from all harm. Tommy, Jimmy, Sandy and Dad continued their lives as best they could, surrounded by the love and support of grandparents Lillian and Tony Arndt and Clara and Frank Schramek. Tommy graduated from Richfield High School in 1970, where he played tennis and golf in addition to excelling in academics. He went on to study biology at the University of Minnesota, receiving his bachelor's degree in 1974. He particularly enjoyed botany, which gave him an enduring love for plants. He partnered in a pizza business after college. His dislike for snow led him to California where he initially tended bar and worked in parts for Northrup Grumman. After Northrup Grumman closed Tom returned to bartending and managing bars for many years. Eventually, his love for plants led him to the garden center at Home Depot, where his always pleasant personality lead him into many friendships, many of which were also strengthened by a love for poker. Tom really loved playing poker, which he did on line, at tournaments and at home games, which he especially liked for the food and comradeship. Tom is survived by his brother Jim; his wife Karen; nephew Alec of Petersburg, Alaska; niece Lisa of Juneau, Alaska; step mom Ethel Donald (Harvey) of Maine and Florida; Uncle Bob and Aunt Dorothy of Port Townsend, Washington; their daughters Melaine Shade, Joan Davenport and Liz Soghoian and their families and Aunt Kathy Arndt, her daughter Katherine, son Tony and their families, and extended families primarily in Minnesota. Tom also leaves behind the many friends he made while bartending and from Home Depot, playing poker and from his neighbors in Menifee, California. He was greatly loved and will be missed by many. Tom loved cats and dogs. Please donate in memoriam to a non-euthanizing animal shelter of your choice that provides support to owners of limited means.