Thomas Fred Schoepski , 83 Caledonia - Thomas F. "Tom" Schoepski, 83, died at home with his loving family by his side September 15, 2010 at 10:15 p.m. Born in Freeport, IL, June 21, 1927, the son of Verne and Ruth Pettey Schoepski. Moved to Belvidere at 3 years of age and lived in this area the rest of his life. Serving in the Marine Corps in China during WWII as Quartermaster. Married to Darlene Hawn on August 7, 1954 in Belvidere, IL. Employed by M.H.Thorp, Contractor for 29 years doing mason and plastering work before becoming his own contractor. Semi-retired in 1989 continuing to ply his trade for family and friends. Examples of his craftsmanship can be seen in many of the area Belvidere homes and businesses. Member of the Poplar Grove United Methodist Church, Lifetime member of the John Hugo Kaiser Post 1461, Amvets, Boone County Historical Society. Tom enjoyed making wine, bowling in the Senior Bowl, dancing with his Florida friends and using his ability to work with his hands. He is survived by his wife Darlene, of Caledonia, IL; son, Ben and wife Terri Schoepski of Machesney Park, IL; brother, Jake and wife Jean Schoepski of Poplar Grove, IL; Godson, Jay and wife Jodi Allen of Rockford, IL; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Schoepski of Poplar Grove, IL, Pauline Schoepski and Clorice Fidder of Belvidere, IL; cousins Jack and wife Shirley McClanahan of Peoria, AZ, Beth Bauman of Chula Vista, CA, Rev. Edgar and wife Nancy Hiestand of Oak Park, IL; father-in-law Willard Hawn of New Port Richey, FL; fifteen nieces and nephews; numerous grand nieces and nephews and great grand nieces and nephews; and his many friends. Predeceased by parents, brothers Jerry and Bob Schoepski, brother-in-law Don Fidder. A special Thank you to Northern Illinois Hospice for their care and comfort to the family.

Memorials to Poplar Grove UMC, John Hugo Kaiser Post 1461 Scholarship Fund or Northern Illinois Hospice.