Thomas L DeBlieck

Visitation will be 6 pm to 8 pm Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at Wells Memorial and Event Center in Plant City. After being returned to Geneseo, IL, a visitation will take place on Sunday, March 3, 2013 from 2 to 4 pm at Vandemore Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, March 4th at St. Malachy Catholic Church in Geneseo. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo, IL.

He was born March 2, 1949, in Geneseo, IL, son of Ralph E and Maguerite Park DeBlieck. He was raised in Geneseo, attended St. Malachy and graduated from Geneseo High School. He graduated from Western Illinois with a bachelor degree in business.

He married Kathy Tell on August 16, 1969 at St. Malachy Catholic Church, Geneseo, IL.

He was a first lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

Tom worked for Eagle Foods for 21 years, working his way to Vice President of Produce. He then was Direct of Produce for Kash N Karry in Tampa, FL. Later with Sweetbay, he was the Produce Category Manager. His 38 year career in produce was widely known throughout the country for his expertise and ethics. Among his many awards, he was named Florida Merchandiser of the Year Award, and Top Produce Merchandiser in the United States by Produce Merchandising.

He retired January 2012. He was able to play golf, his passion, all year and enjoy his retirement. He also loved being with his wife and daughter, and Dixie and Molly, his dogs.

Tom is survived by his wife, Kathy, daughter, Amber, of St Petersburg, FL. Mother, Marguerite DeBlieck of Geneseo, IL. Brothers and sister-in laws, Kenneth and Vickie DeBlieck of Sun Lakes, AZ, Randy and Carol DeBlieck of Aurora, CO, and Dennis and Lori Lewis DeBlieck of Littleton, CO. Nieces and nephews, Breann and Shawn Bockstahler of Aurora CO, Brant DeBlieck of Scotts Bluff, NE, Terri and Chris Welsh of Phoenix, AZ. He was proceed in death by his father, Ralph DeBlieck, and nephew, Tim DeBlieck