Surnames: Czubakowski, Streveler, Schultz, Klimek

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI.) March 18, 2009

Czubakowski, Thomas (23 July 1983 - 10 March 2009)

Thomas Czubakowski, age 25, Eau Claire passed away Tuesday evening March 10, 2009 at University of Minnesota Medical Center in Minneapolis.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday March 14, 2009 at St. Bede Monastery, 1190 Priory Road, Eau Claire. Father John Schultz of St. James the Greater Catholic Church officiated. Friends and family called Friday evening at Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI from 3:30- 7 p.m. There was a prayer service Friday evening at 6:45 p.m. officiated by Monsignor Edmund Klimek to conclude the evening visitation. Visitation continued Saturday morning at St. Bede Monastery an hour prior to services. Committal services took place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Elk Mound at 1:15 p.m. on Saturday afternoon.

After 25 years of sharing his unconditional love with family and friends, Tom Czubakowski departed from the world he knew to be with the angels in heaven. He left this world peacefully as family, friends, doctors and nurses stood at his bedside saying their goodbyes.

Tommy was thought to be one in a billion to have survived Ornithine Transcarbamylase Enzyme Deficiency for over 25 years without a liver transplant.

He was so "special" in many ways. We certainly were blessed to have had "this special child" for as long as he could stay, but we had to finally say, "Follow the light, it’s time to go home."

Tom was born July 23, 1983 to Ronald and Theresa Czubakowski in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and later moved to Eau Claire in 1988. He attended special needs classes in Louisiana until moving to eau Clarie. He attended Putnam Heights Elementary, Delong Middle School and graduated from Memorial High School. Tom worked part time at Reach, Inc., Eau Claire, from 21 until death. Tom accepted his life so gracefully and lived each moment as it came. Living at home with his family, he felt secure, loved, and happy. He loved riding bike, shooting hoops and much more. He was involved with Special Olympics and has many metals and ribbons of which he was so proud. We certainly are proud of Tommy for all of his accomplishments. Tommy will be missed by so many. He touched the hearts of so many that we could not begin to thank everyone who had a part in his life.

Tom is survived by his dad and mom, Ron and Theresa and his loving sister, Jennifer; Grandpa Streveler (Bernard Streveler) and his wife Margaret Streveler; a very special auntie, Sister Karen, who spoke with him almost every night after supper talking about everything and anything. He is also survived by many aunts and uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Pauline Streveler, Steve Czubakowski, Ann Czubakowski, and Uncles Richard Czubakowski and Douglas Streveler.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family.

Family and friends may offer condolences online at www.fullerspeckien.com.

Fuller Speckien Hulke Funeral Home, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI is assisting the family with the arrangements.