Thomas Edward Jencius

1950 - 2018

Thomas Edward Jencius 1950—2018
Thomas Edward Jencius, 68, of South Beloit, IL died Sunday, July 22, 2018, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born June 6, 1950 in Chicago, IL, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Frank and Marion (O'Brien) Jencius. He was married to Margaret "Peggy" Mary Irmiter in Chicago, IL on February 27, 1971. They moved to South Beloit in May 1976, with their three children and lived a life full of love and laughter. Tom retired in January 2014, from the United States Post Office in Beloit, WI where he had been a rural route carrier. He always went the extra mile for his "customers". He enjoyed seeing and being a part of so many people's lives. Tom served in the National Guard, attended Loyola University, Chicago, and later graduated from Rockford University with a degree in history with high honors. He held education and continuous learning in the highest regard. He was socially conscious, cared about the environment, and treated everyone with respect and kindness. He was open minded and compassionate and truly believed in making the world a better place. Because of his beliefs, he started attending meetings at the Rockton Township. In 1996, he was appointed to fill a vacancy for a Trustee seat on the Township Board. He was then elected to that position in 1997, 2001, and 2005. In 2009, Tom was elected to be the Supervisor of Rockton Township, a position he held for almost nine years. He took that job seriously and made sure he understood all the responsibilities attached to it. Tom participated in many meetings on behalf of the Township. He attended workshops and seminars, and was a contributing member on numerous committees including SLATS (Stateline Area Transportation Study), RMAP (Rockford Metropolitan Agency for Planning), County Zoning, Soil & Water Conservation District, Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan, Tri-State Alliance, South Beloit and Rockton Joint Review Boards for TIF Districts, and the Rock River National Water Trail, and Stateline Mass Transit District to name just a few. He was ever an advocate for the people and for many years a silent supporter of the Easter Egg Hunt and Halloween Party at the Rockton Community Center. He frequently attended municipal and school board meetings, as well. Tom loved to garden and cook. His pizzas, salsa, and pans of bacon were legendary. His co-workers delighted in the "feasts" he would surprise them with. No television for him. He liked doing Sudoku or crossword puzzles while listening to the radio. His family was everything to him. He took great pride in his children's accomplishments. Survivors include his wife, Margaret "Peggy" Jencius; sons, Simon (Victoria) Jencius and Morgan (Michele) Jencius; daughter, Lauren (Adam Steger) Jencius; five grandchildren; sister, Mary Frances (Jack) Clifton; brother, Martin (Aileen) Jencius; and several nieces and nephews, brother and sisters-in-law, and loving mother-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents. The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff and personnel of Beloit Health System: The Cancer Center, the Hospital and Clinic, Palliative Care and Beloit Regional Hospice. They were and are the most wonderful people, and we can't thank them enough.
A celebration of life will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, September 29, 2018, at McCorkle Funeral Home, Rockton Chapel, 767 N. Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton, IL. Per Tom's wishes, he donated his body to the Anatomical Gift Association. Cremation rites to be accorded. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Lost Flora Fen through the Natural Land Institute in Tom's name. https://www.naturalland.org/lost-flora-fen-needs-support/