Thomas Chaika

Thomas R. Chaika, 75, of Randall, died Thursday, January 15, 2015 at his home. Services will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, January 30, 2015 at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Camp Ripley. A reception will follow at Randall VFW, Post #9073.

Thomas was born December 3, 1939, in St. Cloud, the son of Jerome and Hildegard (Zilmer) Chaika. He graduated from Sauk Rapids High School and enlisted in US Army. Following his honorable discharge, he married Mary Jane Block on October 21, 1961 in Lastrup. The couple made their home in Lastrup where they owned and operated T & M Bait and Grocery. In addition, Thomas was a truck driver. He enjoyed sports and sponsored a softball team in town. He also liked to play cards - especially cribbage, garden and bird-watching. He was a great conversationalist. He appreciated his cabin in Togo and cherished the time he could spend with his family - children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be missed.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane; children, Lori Bednar, of Little Falls, Annette (Jeff) Anderson, of Baxter, John (Susie) Chaika, of Little Falls, and Vicki (Alan) Lanners, of Royalton; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; siblings, Bill (Renata) Chaika, Gary (Audrey) Chaika, Jim (Alyce) Chaika, Joan Edwards, Phil Chaika, and Chuck (Lowan) Smith; and sister-in-law, Joyce Chaika. He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Al Smith; and his brother, Jerry.