Memorial services for Thomas John Remkus, of Chino, Calif., will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at First Lutheran Chapel in Albert Lea. The Rev. Dan Baker will officiate. Internment will be in Hillcrest Cemetery.

Tom passed away peacefully in his sleep at home in Chino, Calif., on Jan. 13, 2006. He was 81.

Tom was born on Dec. 28, 1924, in Albert Lea. He was united in marriage to Marjorie Hensche on Sept. 17, 1944, at Pickerel Lake. He moved with his wife and three children to southern California in 1956. He retired from General Electric after 23 years of service. He was a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Chino, Calif.

After retiring from General Electric, Tom and Marge created art work using elements of nature resulting in pictures that they sold at art shows in the western U.S. Tom had a knowledge and love of baseball and worked as a volunteer staff member with his son, Ritchie, in the Gladstone High School baseball program for 25 years, doing field work, equipment maintenance and, with his ever-present support, rarely missing a game.

Tom is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marjorie; son John Remkus and his wife Joyce of Rosemount, Minn.; son Ritchie Remkus and his wife Rhonda of Chino, Calif.; daughter Patricia Remkus and her husband Bill of Carbondale, Ill.; grandchildren Dawn Horarik and her husband Mike, Denise Remkus, Ethan Remkus-Rowley, and Thomas Remkus; great-grandchild Cody Remkus; and 10 nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents John and Valeria, sisters Stella and Frances, and brother Albin.