Thomas Keith Patefield

Thomas Keith Patefield, 64, of Rockford, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, in Zihuatanejo de Azueta, Guerrero, Mexico while savoring life.

Tom was born on February 28, 1960, in Kenosha, WI, the son of Keith and Ruth (Erickson) Patefield. He earned his associate degree in construction. Tom worked for Chrysler of Belvidere and Kenosha and was a proud Union member. He then proudly owned and operated his business, Thomas Patefield Therapeutic Massage, located in both Rockford and Kenosha. Tom was a spiritual man of great faith and a follower of Christ. Tom’s magnanimous spirit made a friend of all those he met. He had a special gift and strong passion for woodworking, was an avid reader, a curious mind that investigated by research, loved camping, motorcycling, jeep culture and playing video games. Above all else, Tom cherished the time he spent with his dear family, who were the world to him, especially “grill and Chills “and Tommy’s restaurant. He will be missed beyond measure and remembered forever. 

Those here to honor Tom’s memory include his beloved husband, Ed Mokrzycki; beloved former wife, Linda Patefield (Kevin Smith); loving children, Eric (Kira) Patefield, Breanne (Henry) Webster and Jacob Patefield (Norman Mora Quintero); adored grandchildren, Judah and Adara Patefield, Frances and Maxine Webster and Divine; devoted siblings, Toni (Ray) Oseman, Christie (Dennis) Skrede, Patti Ostergaard (Dan) and James (Kandace) Patefield; loving uncle to many nieces and nephews and had numerous cousins. Tom never met a stranger and was truly a friend to all of mankind. He is predeceased by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Tom’s name to the American Civil Liberties Union to help in the tumultuous times.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2025, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108.