Thomas Joseph Chicos Jr., 102, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on April 3, 2024 at New Perspective Assisted Living in Faribault, MN.
Born on March 5, 1922 to Thomas Sr. and Monica (Geise) Chicos, Thomas was raised on the family farm, where he developed a deep love for the land and farming. He attended Trenton grade school and later graduated from Freeborn High School in 1940. Following his graduation, he continued to pursue his passion for agriculture.
At a local dance, fate led him to Kathryn Ruth Convey, who became his beloved wife on November 16, 1948 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Waldorf, MN. Together, they purchased a farm, built their first home, and raised their family, imparting a strong work ethic and passion for farm life to their children.
Throughout the years, Thomas and Ruth tended the land, raising cattle, chickens, and their most cherished purebred Hampshire pigs, gaining national recognition for their pigs. Thomas was an ardent supporter of his children and later his grandchildren, encouraging and accompanying them in their school, 4-H and FFA activities. The tradition of showcasing award-winning pigs was passed down through the generations, with many trips to local county fairs, the Minnesota State Fair, and the National Barrow Show.
His truest passion stemmed from the farm, where his love for planting and harvesting was palpable. Polka music mingled with the hum of farm machinery as he diligently worked the land, sporting a radiant smile as he reaped the fruits of his labor. A testament to his dedication, Thomas once emerged victorious in a hand corn-picking contest.
An enthusiastic baseball fan, Thomas enjoyed playing baseball for Freeborn High School. He was a member of a bowling league for many years at the New Richland bowling alley. He also found joy in golfing, being one of the founding members of the Oakview Golf Course in Freeborn, MN. Family road trips to Yellowstone and Florida peppered their lives, but Sundays were always reserved for family, relaxation, and fun. Fishing, deer hunting, and spearing trips to northern Minnesota host years of memories.
Musically gifted, Thomas played the guitar and harmonica, and alongside his sister, Angeline, they sang and entertained their community on Saturday nights in the upstairs of the granary on his farm. He served his community as a member of Freeborn School Board, Freeborn Township Board, and the All Saints Parish Council. Thomas had a love for many things, but chocolate and ice cream were his favorite. He also loved to revel in competitive games of Pfeiffer or Euchre with many family members and friends.
Thomas' influence will forever grace the hearts and minds of those who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of hard work, love for family, and dedication to his farm will continue to echo through the generations.
He will be lovingly remembered by his children; Bob (Barb) Chicos of North Mankato, MN, Connie (Terry) Litchfield of Clearwater, FL, Patti (Mark) Siegfried of Faribault, MN, Gail (Del) Point of Waterville, MN, and Gary (Mary) Chicos of Alden, MN; grandchildren, Amanda Roiger, Nate Chicos, Melissa (Andrew) Prashad, Christine (Matt) McEwen, Michelle (Tyler) Shermer, Matt (Nikki Schnegelberger) Siegfried, Toni (Tucker Barickman) Chicos, Sydney Chicos, Zac Chicos, and Spencer Chicos; great-grandchildren, Harper and Henrik Roiger, Christian and Carter Prashad, Logan, Madison, and Carson McEwen, Kali and Connor Shermer, and Tessa Barickman; along with many nieces and nephews. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Ruth in 2019; sons, Thomas Mark Chicos in 2018 and Richard Patrick in infancy; grandson, Patrick Mark in infancy; siblings, Sylvester Chicos, Angeline (Jerry) Kent, Irene (Hube) Lust, Margaret Chicos, Charlie (Ann) Chicos, and Francis (Eileen) Chicos; and many sisters and brothers-in-law.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at All Saints Catholic Church in New Richland, MN; Father Glenn Frerichs will officiate. Thomas' family greeted guests at a visitation on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Friedrich's Funeral Home in New Richland, MN and will greet guests one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in New Richland, MN.