Obituary of Thomas G. Lacina

Thomas G. Lacina, age 62, of Riverside, Iowa, died Monday, March 16, 2020, at his residence, from injuries sustained in an ATV accident. Due to the current State of Iowa restrictions on social gatherings, private graveside services will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Riverside. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later date and open to the public. The family requests no flowers or memorials at this time. To share a thought, memory, or online condolence with Tom’s family, please visit the funeral home website at www.gayandciha.com Thomas George Lacina was born on September 29, 1957, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City, the son of Francis and Rita (Lorack) Lacina. He was baptized, received his First Communion and Confirmed at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Iowa City. Tom graduated from West Branch High School in 1976. At a later date, he attended the Fire Fighting Academy. He served the Iowa City Fire Department as Lieutenant. On August 9, 1980, he was united in marriage to Rhonda Lynn Brinton at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Iowa City. To this union, three children were born. Tom worked various jobs throughout his career, including being a Fire Fighter, Insurance Agent and currently was employed with TriOak Foods. Tom was known to be a jack of all trades and would learn to master each one of them. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Riverside. In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming, caring for the land, and traveling. He was able to go on one of his dream trips with Rhonda to Alaska which he described as nothing short of “amazing”. Tom’s greatest pride and joy was time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was always there for his kids and grandkids, going to all their activities. He was always the first to say “yes” to the grandchildren coming over. He loved being called “Grandpa” and he ALWAYS said “I love you” when it was time to leave. He never met a stranger and always had a story to tell. People will remember him as a gentle man and friend. Tom is survived by his mother, Rita Lacina of West Branch, Iowa; his wife, Rhonda of Riverside, Iowa; three children, Ben (Amanda) Lacina of Letts, Iowa, Diana (Joe) Bandow of Riverside, Iowa and William (Katarina) Lacina of West Branch, Iowa; 10 grandchildren; Madilynn, Caleigh, Jackson, Ava, Evelyn, Drake, Maya, Joselyn, Tate, and Reese, one sister, Elaine (Matt) Pacha of Iowa City, Iowa; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Francis Jacob Lacina and one sister, Diane Lacina. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City is assisting Tom’s family with arrangements (319) 338-1132