THOMAS KAFKA

Thomas James Kafka was born on November 21, 1961 in Wagner. He died Monday, December 13 at the Avera Queen of Peace Hospital Mitchell.

Tom was baptized and confirmed at the Assumption of the Blessed Mary Catholic Church Dante. He graduated from the Wagner Community School in 1980. After high school Tom served in the US Army. During a training exercise he was injured which led to a medical discharge.

Tom had an adventurous spirit and wandering heart. He left home and headed to western South Dakota. Tom lived in many different places and held a variety of jobs. He settled in the Sturgis/Newell area for many years where he met and married his wife Loraine (Fairbanks) Kafka in 1989. Tom and Loraine adopted a son Martin Thomas.

Tom moved to the Avon area in 2002. He owned and operated a septic business for several years. Tom sold the business and eventually moved to Mitchell, where he was presently living.

In May 2008 Tom married Vanessa (Canissario) Kafka.

Tom is survived by his wife Vanessa, son Martin, stepsons: Tim Carson and Michael Jordan; stepdaughter Anastasia Jordan; granddaughters: Haisley and Christy K. Tom loved and was greatly loved by his family. There will forever be an empty spot in their lives with his absence.

Tom is also survived by his mother, Clara Kafka and siblings: Richard L (Roberta), Gregory, Dan (Arlis), Ron (Lynda), Jay (Kim), Joe (Kristi), Wagner, Jeff (Brynn), Wentworth, Lisa (Del) Mandl, Moville, IA, Jerry (Sherrie), Piedmont and Julie (Stacey) Powers Avon; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father Richard D Kafka, an infant brother, his grandparents Thomas and Gwyneth Kafka and Raymond and Grace Beeson.

Tom will be remembered for his generous heart, kind spirit, and willingness to try new things. He had a great love of wide open spaces and animals, especially his special companions of many years, which he was able to enjoy until their passing, his horse Babe and dog Rusty.