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.
