Thomas "Tom" Esparza, 75, passed away on April 28, 2023 after a hard-fought battle with cancer.  He was the most generous, patient, selfless, genuine person you could ever meet.  Tom was born on February 13, 1948 in Moline, IL.  He served in the Marine Corps from 1965-1969 and was a Vietnam Veteran.  In 1971 he married his beloved wife of almost 52 years, Karen Esparza.  They particularly enjoyed many trips to St. Pete beach, vacations with kids and grandkids, concerts, and tending to their bountiful garden.  He loved all of the great classic rock bands, and many Friday nights were spent listening to the best classic rock with family.

Tom was a man of many talents.  He was very proud of getting a Hole-In-One in the Mexican American Golf League.  He was an amazing cook.  The grandkids were the beneficiaries of "grandpa's noodles" and "grandpa's breakfast." He also spoiled his family and friends with homemade tortillas, enchiladas, tamales, chili pork, and Mexican ring cookies, among other delicacies.

Tom was a passionate and long-time volunteer for the Democratic party, working elections, educating community members, and getting them out to vote.  The majority of his career was spent as the AFGE Local 15 President at the Rock Island Arsenal and as an AFGE National Representative.  He was a fearless advocate for employees and was inducted into the AFL-CIO Hall of Fame in 2013, which was a great honor to him.

Tom is survived by his wife Karen Esparza; daughters Tara (Joe) Perez and Tasha (Will) Power; grandchildren Tony Esparza, Jeffrey Perez, Peyton Perez, Lincoln Perez, Liam Power, and Emma Power; siblings Janet (Denny) Chapman, Mick (Margaret) Esparza, Trisha (Paul) Long, and Janet Thrasher; and many special nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Shirley and Earl Esparza; siblings Sharon Ruhl, Wendy Michl, Richard Esparza, and David Esparza; brother-in-law Bud Ruhl; father- and mother-in-law George and Mazie James; and brother- and sister-in-law Mark and Jeanie Nelsen.

Tom was a one-of-a-kind individual and will be greatly missed.

Tom's family is grateful for the doctors and staff at the University of Iowa Hospital and Genesis Hospital for their expertise and compassion.

The visitation is on Thursday May 4, 2023, from 4-7pm at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Ave. Rock Island, IL 61201.  The funeral service will be on Friday May 5, 2023, at 10am at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory in Rock Island with a burial to follow at the Rock Island National Cemetery.  Donations in memory of Thomas Esparza may be made to the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center.