It didn't take long. When the family sat down to write about Tom Krejci, they realized almost immediately: this life was too full, too colorful, too generous to distill into just a few paragraphs. But here, with grateful hearts and tearful smiles, they offer a sketch of the man who meant so much to so many.

Tom Krejci passed peacefully on the afternoon of Saturday, May 3rd, held by the love of his family. For 50 years, he walked through life hand-in-hand with his beloved Sue, building a home that echoed with music, laughter, and the steady hum of stories shared over coffee. He was the proud father of Jessica Poscovsky (with her husband Jason) and Mike Krejci (with his wife Martha), and an adoring grandfather to John Paul Strawman and Norah Krejci. He now reunites with his sister, Donna Woodward, and is remembered with deep love by his brothers James Krejci and William Krejci (Eleanor).

To try to categorize Tom's work is to underestimate his spirit. He was the first stage manager at The Five Seasons Center, a vital force behind the curtains as Cedar Rapids' performances came to life. As a Business Agent for IATSE, he championed the skilled, unseen hands of the theater world. His legacy in Iowa's music scene is legendary: inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004 for his work with the Linn County Band, he also outfitted countless musicians with sound gear and heart, through his time running 4th Street Records, The County Seat, and beyond. His fingerprints are on stages, tour buses, friendships, and the very rhythm of local music history.

Yet ask anyone what mattered most about Tom, and they won't list his achievements. They'll talk about how he made them feel. The way he listened. The timing of his jokes—never too quick, always just right. His gift for turning even the briefest exchange into a connection. He drove buses not just to get musicians and others where they needed to go—for Nite Express, Phantom Regiment, and Kings and Queens Coaches—but because it brought him close to people he loved, especially his son Mike.

There was one unforgettable moment while driving for Nite Express when a wheel flew clean off the bus mid-journey, throwing everyone into a moment of danger. Tom, with his signature calm and sense of responsibility, maneuvered the bus to a safe stop. He never forgot that day—how the lives onboard rested in his hands, and how grateful he was to deliver them safely. It was the kind of moment that revealed the depth of his care and courage.

Tom showed up. He cheered loud. He stayed late. He told stories that made you laugh 'til you cried, and then cried a little, too.

If you knew Tom, the family would love to know what he meant to you. They've created a space to gather those stories—an ongoing thread of memories they'll return to for comfort and celebration in the years to come: Facebook thread .

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Critter Crusaders of Cedar Rapids, as pets were always close to Tom's compassionate heart: crittercrusaderscr.org/donate .