Thomas Joseph Kocarnik

Tom a.k.a. “Tommy Joe” (or “Billie” according to his late, but favorite Uncle Bob), grew up an avid jokester, always pranking his brothers and sisters. They would describe him as a very good teaser.
To say the least, he enjoyed making people laugh and seeing joy on their faces. He had a love for life and was quite the people person. One of Tom’s frequent sayings (that his friends and family will never forget him saying) is “ Hi, I am Tom from Omaha”. Meeting new people and learning about them was a big passion of his.

Tom graduated from Creighton Preparatory school in 1961 and Creighton University in 1966, where
he coached the senior CYO basketball team to two straight undefeated seasons. His love for God was well recognized and he enjoyed sharing facts about his favorite Saints, as his “ten Saints” were very dear to him. If you were one of them, consider yourself special because he believed that you helped him become the man he became.
Tom grew up working as a paper boy, but his first steady job was working for Mrs. B at the Nebraska furniture Mart. He and Mrs. B had a very fond relationship and although she had a hard time getting along with many, Tom was one of her favorites. This is when he learned to successfully run a carpet business and then eventually moved on to owning his cleaning business, The Janitors.

From a very young age, Tom loved fishing, hunting and most importantly, his trips to Minnesota.
All year long, he prepared for his week-long trips that he would take annually up to Minnesota. His favorite week of the year was the week he got to spend fishing, cooking & playing games with his family up in Minnesota. Oh, the stories one could tell! Nonetheless, one memory that his family will forever hold dear to their hearts, is the weekly food menu that he would type out and personally deliver to each of his children.
Tom also loved to take trips up to Wyoming to visit his son and his friend “Doc”. One of his last wishes was to go back up to Wyoming one more time to fish with his grandson.

Not only did Grandpa Tom mean the world to his grandchildren, but his grandchildren meant the world to him. Tom’s face brightened up when he saw his grandkids and he was always so happy to be around them. He genuinely enjoyed learning about their day and what was going on in their lives. G’pa Tom made each of them feel extra special in their own unique way. He was extremely proud of each and every one of them and loved them all beyond words. To say the least, he was each of his grandchildren’s biggest fan.

Tom is also known for his love of making his “famous pickles” that many who have tried them, will forever remember him by. Watching Notre Dame football, NASCAR, Indy 500 and PGA golf were all also some of his most treasured interests.
Tom did his best to never miss his weekly or Sunday mass at Boystown. He enjoyed volunteering and helping those in need, especially in the Boystown community.

Most who knew Tom would describe him as a wonderful man.
Not only kind, loving, & thoughtful, but also the most unselfish person they knew. Tom only had friends, no enemies. Tom never forgot anyone’s birthday.
Tom Married Carol in 1987 and they created what they call, the “Brady Bunch”. It never failed, but he would correct anyone if they called Carol by the wrong name. It had to be either “Carol, or her nickname Cookie” not Cook. Needless to say Tom and Cookie needed a few escapes from the Brady Bunch and would enjoy getaways to Nascar and Indy car races , out of town football games, or nightly getaways for a bite to eat with friends.
Tom leaves behind a lasting legacy of kindness, generosity, and dedication to those he surrounded himself with.
His wife, children, grandkids, family & friends will miss him immeasurably.

Thomas J. Kocarnik, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025, at the age of 81. Tom was born to the late John and Dorothy Kocarnik in Omaha on May 29, 1943. In addition to his parents Tom is preceded in death by his daughter Jill Marie Kocarnik; son, Christopher Kocarnik; and siblings, James D. Kocarnik and John C. Kocarnik Jr.

Thomas leaves behind his wife Carol; son, Jay Kocarnik; daughter, Robyn (Gene) Rafter; son, Robert Kocarnik; daughter, Kristin (Blake) Jefferies; son, Jon (Libby) Engelbart; son, Mark (Michelle) Engelbart; grandchildren, Jack Rafter, Kaitlyn Rafter, Liam Rafter, Everett Jefferies, Ellie Jefferies, J.T Engelbart, Nolan Engelbart, Jake Engelbart, Tyler Engelbart and Blake Engelbart; many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will take place 4:00 pm to 6:00pm, Sunday, January 19, 2025 at Braman Mortuary (Millard Chapel) followed by Rosary at 6:00 pm. Funeral Mass: 10:30 am., Monday, January 20, 2025, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church. For more details visit www.bramanmortuary.com