Swoboda, Thomas R. 1939-2025 Shorewood, Ill.
SHOREWOOD, Ill. – Thomas R. Swoboda passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on July 18, 2025, with the love of his family by his side. He was born in St. Joseph on Sept. 10, 1939, the son of Ralph and Verna (Moore) Swoboda.
At age 19, Tom began working as a stockboy at the S.S. Kresge (later Kmart) store in St. Joseph. Soon thereafter, he joined the Management Training program and thus began his journey of building a 37-year career with the Kmart Corporation. His exceptional work ethic, leadership, and interpersonal skills fueled his success and career advancement, culminating as a member of the Executive team at corporate headquarters in Troy, Michigan. Upon retiring from Kmart, Tom launched Swoboda Associates, Inc., and spent 15 years sharing his retail knowledge and expertise to help shape and enable successes for several Fortune 500 companies.
A testament to his enduring sense of duty and commitment, Tom served honorably in the United States Army for three years, with his service initiating at Ft. Devens in Massachusetts and concluding in Heidelburg Germany.
Above all else, his heart belonged to his family. His wife, children, and grandsons were the center of his world. His career path, including several promotions, meant many moves for Tom and his family. With great intention, Tom always made sure each apartment or house was their home. In doing so, he left behind not just a legacy of professional success, but a lifetime of cherished moments and memories for all who knew and loved him.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Roberta “Bobbie” Creek; his children, Dr. Thomas Kevin (Karen) Swoboda and Carrie Laine (Chad) Strieter; and his cherished grandsons, Nicholas Thomas Strieter and Maxwell Gary Strieter. He also leaves behind his loving sisters, Rachel (the late Rex) Caruthers and Gloria (Dean) Thomas, and siblings-in-law, Peggy, Nancy (Mike), Terry (Kathy), Kathy and Lori. He shared a close bond with his nephew, Rusty Fitzsimmons, and is also lovingly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Vera Swank; his parents-in-law, Bob and Betty Creek, and sister-in-law, Patricia (the late James) Varilly.
A Memorial Gathering will be held for Tom Swoboda on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Rd., Joliet, Illinois, from 2 to 4 p.m., with a Memorial Service taking place at 2:30 p.m. including military honors being held under the auspices of the United States Army. The family has requested to live stream the services of their loved one on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. Please click on this link (https://youtube.com/live/bhMrKzelhGo?feature=share) and follow the instructions to show your support for them at a time when you cannot be physically present, but your thoughts, prayers and connection are.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Lightways Hospice or Alzheimer’s Association.
For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at http://www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave an online condolence. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
