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Thomas Lee Zschoche
Nov 18, 1950 - Nov 17, 2024

Thomas Lee Zschoche was born on November 18, 1950, to George and Alice (Meyer) Zschoche, in Kansas City, MO and passed away on November 17, 2024 in Lenexa, KS. 

 

On November 21, 1971, Tom married the love of his life, Pamela L. Mahan. They went on to raise five children starting in Prairie Village before moving to Olathe in 1979.

 

Tom grew up in Prairie Village, attended Trinity Lutheran Church, and graduated from Shawnee Mission East. In high school, he ran track and graduated near the top of his class. He went on to earn a B.S. in petroleum engineering at the University of Kansas. While at KU, he balanced his brawn and brains with the pursuit of a good time. Tom pledged Delta Chi and made many lifelong friends, even though (and perhaps especially because) they dunked him in Potter Lake to celebrate his engagement to Pam.

 

After graduating, he joined his entrepreneurial father, George, at Automotive Equipment Service, which eventually became AES Lawnparts and relocated from Kansas City, MO to Olathe, KS in 2002. This career path and industry generated many cherished friendships with colleagues in Kansas City and around the country. When he wasn’t in the warehouse, Tom spent time orchestrating annual hunting trips for Opening Weekend, angling in some of the best fishing holes, farming with his cousins, and biking trails with his kids in tow. All of his kids inherited his work ethic and love for being outside in one way or another, from gardening and yard work, to hunting and conservation. One of his greatest accomplishments is the title of “Papa,” earned in 1996 with the birth of his first of six beloved grandchildren. 

 

In recent years, Tom enjoyed his lunches with “the church guys,” neighborhood walks, and fitness classes at Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center. He made friends easily, and treasured those relationships. He will be missed. 

 

Tom will be remembered for his distinct laugh, ever-present smile, can-do-anything attitude, frequent hijinks, and flawlessly hitting the high notes of his Motown favorites. 

 

He is survived by his wife, Pam, of nearly 53 great years, and his kids, Rory (Bill), Tommy, Brittany (Nathan), Mark (Heather), and Corey (Becky), six grandkids, and one great-granddaughter. He is also survived by his younger sisters, Jane (John) Musgrove and Gail (Roger) Phelps, aunt Lois (Meyer) Gunlach, numerous nieces and nephews, and many Meyer cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. 

 

The family would like to express gratitude to those at The Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center for their invaluable support and guidance. As well, the family is indebted to the caregivers and staff at Benton House of Lenexa and Brighton Hospice, who cared for Tom with the utmost kindness. 

 

Visitation will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 23rd, followed by a service at 12:00 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church, 5601 W. 62nd Street, Mission, KS 66202. Lunch will be served after; all are welcome.  The family will inter his ashes privately at a later date.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Parkinson’s Exercise and Wellness Center (thepewc.org), Brighton Hospice (brightonhospice.com), or Trinity Lutheran Church. 
Send Condolences
Additional Service:
Visitation
Location:
Trinity Lutheran Church
Address:
5601 W. 62nd Street
City:
Mission
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66202
Date of Service:
Nov 23, 2024
Time of Service:
11:00 am
Additional Information:
No Additional Information Added
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map
Additional Service:
Memorial Service
Location:
Trinity Lutheran Church
Address:
5601 W. 62nd Street
City:
Mission
State:
Kansas
Zip Code:
66202
Date of Service:
Nov 23, 2024
Time of Service:
12:00 pm
Additional Information:
No Additional Information Added
Google Map:
Click Here to see Location on Map

Condolences

Kevin Fink Nov 19, 2024

Former employee (2004-2017) ,Bulverde ,Texas

Rest in Peace-Tom. Best thing I remember about Tom was when we would have sales meetings in Charles’s office. We would all be talking and Tom would raise his hand and I would say everyone quite Tom is like EF Hutton “when Tom speaks everyone is listening”. Super owner and now you are in a Golden Place!

Nan and Dan Schaper Nov 19, 2024

Neighbors ,Olathe ,Kansas

We are so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. Dan loved visiting with him at his office & they had good conversations! Our condolences for all of the family, its toughest on those that are still here, but just know you are in our thoughts & prayers for comfort and peace.

Dave Steeples Nov 19, 2024

Fraternity Brother, Hunting buddy, Friend ,Hays ,Kansas

What a great friend. I can't imagine him having an enemy. So many wonderful hunting memories. Our thoughts are with Pam and family.

Jan David (JD) McGee Nov 19, 2024

AES Team ,The Villages ,Florida

Started with AES in sales around 1988, interviews from Scott Ferguson and Tom. George was the boss at that time until he retired and Tom took over. Tom was a great friend after hours but during work hours he was all business! I left AES in 2004 and really missed Tom and the Team but it was time to move on.Every chance I got when I was in town I would go by to see Tom and the gang. RIP TZ

Jeff Spencer Nov 20, 2024

Business & Personal Friend ,Kearney ,Missouri

I have known and done business for over 30 years with Tom. He was not only a great Oregon customer but a great friend as well. We had may chicken wings together and attended many Chiefs games together. He would never let me pay for a ticket but would let me buy him a beer at the game. I am a better person from working with Tom, he was a mentor to me, and I will miss him and his great smile. He is now in a much better world with no more worries. God Bless you Mr. Zschoche...

Tom Bunch Nov 20, 2024

Business Shindaiwa ,Wilsovnille ,Oregon

My association and relationship with Tom was primarily business oriented, Automotive Equip distributed our products. His dealings reflected his character. Intelligent, honest and a man of his word. Tom delivered good results and followed through on all commitments. At the same time, he typically had a smile on his face and was friendly and open. The world needs more Tom Zschoche type people.

Steve Purdy Nov 20, 2024

Business Associate ,Wentzville ,Missouri

I first met Tom in 1980 while at an industry function hosted by a manufacturer that both of our companies represented. During the ensuing 35 years we were in company for countless endeavors, all business related. Tom and those working in his company were customers, peers and contemporaries of mine and the company where I served as President. I have so many fond memories being conjured up with the news of Tom's passing. I am blessed to have been associated with Tom for such a huge part of my life. Tom was one of the classiest gentlemen I've known. My best to Pam and the family. I know that he will be dearly missed.

Lee Richey Nov 20, 2024

Friend and Business Associate ,Tualatin ,Oregon

Called on Tom for years while I was with Shindaiwa, and late with another company. Always enjoyed our meetings and after hours dinner and drinks. Tom was of the highest character of our distributors and was always true to his word. Even though he was the owner, every time I would visit I would need to go over any details with Charles Nicolas because Tom was busy working in the warehouse. Will always remember him for his friendliness, his work ethic, and a being a man of his word. While death may take the body, we will fondly continue to have the memories of knowing him. Rest in Peace Tom

Alan & Pam Rondina Nov 20, 2024

Business Associate and friend ,Norton ,Massachusetts

We are so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing . We spent a lot of time with them on business trips , always a fun time . We send our heartfelt condolences to Pam and the whole family. May you Rest in Peace Tom .

Betsy Vossman Nov 21, 2024

Friend ,Lake Quivira ,Kansas

Dear Pam, My sincere condolences to you as I have just read that your husband has passed. I’m certain I met him a time or two over the KCYM years and I’m certain he had to have been your very dearest soul mate. Hugs, Betsy

Charles Nicolas Nov 21, 2024

AES LawnParts Team Member & Friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

Worked for Tom and John at AES for more than 30 years and had many great experiences. Tom delivered, expected and appreciated a strong work ethic during the business day. He led by example. Outside of work, he knew how to set that aside. I fondly remember many great adventures we shared on outings to Portland, Cleveland, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and Hawaii. Tom was the rare individual who knew how to work hard for success and then enjoy the results. I pray that Pam and the family can find peace in knowing the profound positive effect you had on so many. Tom, you will be greatly missed by many. As you said to me at many meetings, “save me a place”.

Joan Taylor Sherman Nov 21, 2024

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Pam, sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. My sympathies to your family. Joan Taylor Sherman

Ken Nelson Nov 21, 2024

Pledge brother and SME classmate ,Andover ,Kansas

I can’t remember not knowing the “fastest boy at Somerset Grade School” SME classmate of Tom and Pam. Then pledge and fraternity brothers. I will always remember the world’s biggest grin when he came back to the Delta Chi house after his first date with Pam. The world has lost one of its best but his positive attitude and good works will live on in many he touched.

Sara Nov 21, 2024

Classmate from elementary one ,Highland Park ,Illinois

Many fond memories of a very nice guy. Sara Brown Sher

Garry Eastwood Nov 21, 2024

Fraternity Brother ,Scottsdale ,Arizona

That big smile and that infectious laugh - no one will forget that.. He will always be remembered as an all-around "good guy". Rest in peace, old friend.

lynda C delap Nov 21, 2024

Friend of family ,Bella Vista ,Arkansas

I am sending you healing thoughts for your loss. I didn’t know Yom but am friends with Jane, John, Katie and Sarah. I know you were all very close and Tom will be missed by all his family😘

Cyrille Michel Nov 22, 2024

Work friend ,Vancouver ,Washington

Please accept my sincere condolences. Tom will be missed. Tom’s infectious grin is well known all around the Outdoor Power Equipment industry. He was a great leader and I will miss his m. Sincerely, Cyrille

Brian Maher Nov 23, 2024

Personal Friend, business associate ,Palm Desert ,California

Please accept our sincere condolences from the Maher family. We are all going to miss Tom, and his infectious smile and humor. Tom and I had several decades of business together, several hunting trips that started with his Dad (George). Great memories of Tom teaching his boys how to hunt over the years. A true honest gentlemen that will be missed by everyone that knew him. Rest in peace my friend.

Gary and Audrey Roberts Nov 23, 2024

Gary was an Employee for 26 years ,Shawnee ,Kansas

Tom was a great employer. One thing we really appreciated was that he paid for 100% of the entire family’s insurance for many years. That is nearly unheard of both then and now. He paid for long term disability and contributed a good amount every year to the 401K. With our large family we would have never saved that money otherwise. He always let Gary off when needed. And he employed two of our kids. That really shows how much he cared for his employees. We are praying for Pam and the family in your loss.

Cathy Verschelden Nov 24, 2024

KCYM friend ,Fairway ,Kansas

Dear Pam, I just read Friday’s paper and saw Tom’s obituary. You had shared that Tom’s health was not good when we last talked. I was so sorry to read you lost him. Please know you and the kids are in my thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to all of you. Cathy Verschelden