Thomas Michael Pivonka, 70, passed away Sept. 24, 2026, at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis, in Wichita, Kansas. He was born Feb. 10, 1956, to James “Jim” & Betty Jean (Sandstrom) Pivonka. After the passing of Betty, he created an incredibly strong and lasting bond with his stepmother, Laura. In October 1975, Tom married Illeen (Rossman) Becker. From this union, they were blessed with a daughter, Shawn, and a son, Jeff.

Tom attended Otis-Bison and was a graduate of the class of 1974. He attended Dodge City Community College for one year on a baseball scholarship. On July 9, 1988, he married Janice (Watson) Peters in Olmitz. They made Albert their home where they raised their family until 2011, when they moved to Great Bend. He found his lifetime career starting as an operator at Linde Helium in September 1979. Tom then advanced as senior shift leader and then was promoted as plant manager. He was a faithful and dependable employee for over 40 years until his retirement in May 2020. Tom was a fan of all sports, especially golf. He loved to travel and experience new places. He attended Prince of Peace Parish at St. Patrick Catholic Church. In Olmitz, he held membership with the Knights of Columbus. Tom treasured being a husband, father, and grandfather and was proud of the legacy he leaves behind.

Survivors include his cherished wife of 38 years, Janice Pivonka; son, Jeff Pivonka and his wife Thuy of Lenexa; daughter, Shawn Helie and her husband Rob of Chandler, Ariz.; stepdaughter, Melanie Deterding and her husband Brian of Greensburg; stepmother, Laura Pivonka; stepbrother, Rick Warnken and his wife Kim of Garden City; stepsisters, Lachele Greathouse and her husband Greg of Garden City, Brenda Barrett and her husband Steve of Garden City; half sister, Sheri Hicks of Mesa, Ariz.; grandchildren, Brady Deterding, Brock Deterding, Johanna Helie, Vienna Helie, Whitley Pivonka; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church with Father Prakash Kola presiding. Interment will follow at Great Bend Cemetery. Visitation will be available from noon to 8 p.m., with family receiving guests from 6-7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, with a Knights of Columbus Vigil and Rosary at 7 p.m. at Bryant Funeral Home. Memorials may be made out to Barton Community College Foundation (to benefit the athletic department), in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.

Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS 67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 26, 2026