Thomas “Tom” G. Poncek Sr., 52, of Westboro, passed away at his home, unexpectedly, on Thursday, July 9, 2026.

 

Visitation will take place on Thursday, July 23 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

 

Tom was born on December 13, 1973, the youngest of 20 children, to Joseph and Eleanor (Lageman) Poncek Sr. in Westboro. He attended Rib Lake schools and graduated from Rib Lake High School in 1992. He met the love of his life, Mary Jo Biermann, in middle school and they were united in marriage on September 11, 1999 at St. Theresa Church in Westboro. She preceded him in death in 2018.

 

He earned his Associates Degree from NTC in Diesel Mechanics. Over the years he worked for Blount, Ram Rod, Caterpillar, MultiTech, and Wiitala-Vozka Trucking.

 

Tom found so much joy in the outdoors. He loved four-wheeling, snowmobiling, hunting, and fishing with his son. Thomas was always hands-on, the kind of person who would tackle any project, look for solutions, and find a way to fix whatever needed attention. More than anything, he cherished time spent with family, and over the years he and his wife also shared their hearts and home with many beloved dogs, caring for them together with great love.

 

Tom is survived by his son, Thomas (Nick Kraus) Poncek Jr.; siblings, Barbara (Bill Holden) Poncek, Bruno Poncek, Jim (Julie) Poncek, Mike (Kim) Poncek, Joyce (Robert) Matyka, Jerry (JoJo) Poncek, JoAnn (Joseph) Leader, Willie Poncek, Catherine Lemke, Nancy (Steve) Hamm, Theresa (Dale Meye) Poncek, Bonnie Poncek, Peter (Tammy Rowe) Poncek; mother-in-law, Eileen (Verlyn Haider) Biermann; sisters-in-law, Shannon (Marty) Annala, and Sarah (Ray) Komarek. Thomas is further survived by his Great Dane, Freya; many nieces, nephews, and other family members.

 

In addition to his wife, Mary Jo, Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Sr. and Eleanor; siblings, Randy, Bernard “Bernie” Jr., Margaret “Maggie” Sacharski, Jaquelyn, Edward, Ellen; father-in-law, Donald Biermann; brother-in-law, Erhardt Lemke.

 

The family is planning to hold a Celebration of Life sometime this fall, allowing family and friends the opportunity to gather, share memories, and honor Thomas’ life.

The family doesn’t have a date set just yet, but they will share all the details as soon as plans are finalized.