Thomas A. Pins (1939-2021)

PINS, MUCHOW

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 3/30/2021 at 09:13:52

Thomas A. Pins, 82, died at MercyOne Medical Center in Dubuque on March 24, 2021.

Visitation will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 31, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, where a funeral Mass will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Private burial services for the family will be held at a later time. Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Rd. is handling arrangements. Please observe all current Covid protocols, including wearing face masks and social distancing. If unable to attend, the Mass will be livestreamed at stanthony-dubuque.org and on Leonard Funeral Home’s Facebook page.

Tom was born at home in Dubuque on March 13, 1939, son of Art and Marge Pins. He attended St. Patrick’s grade school, Loras Academy, and graduated from Loras College in 1962. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves for 6 years. He married the love of his life Janet Muchow on July 7, 1962, at St. Patrick’s Church.

Tom’s work ethic started at a young age working with his dad at the Old Timers Supper Club. After graduation, he worked for 6 years at the Iowa State Employment office, 24 years at John Deere as a shipping coordinator, and finished his working days first as a blackjack dealer and then a pit boss on the local riverboat casinos for 16 years.

Tom volunteered in a variety of activities over the years, including the St. Anthony’s Board of Education and Parish Council, Boy Scouts Troop 7 Treasurer (10 years), and Dubuque Men’s Association Secretary/ Treasurer (12 years). He was also very active in the Dubuque Jaycees, holding various offices and being named a lifetime member and JCI Senator. He particularly enjoyed ‘spooking’ people at the annual Jaycees Haunted House.

Family and friends were always the centerpieces of Tom’s life, and he imprinted his love on his children and grandchildren. He never missed their sporting events. He and Jan enjoyed traveling, especially to visit their son, Mike, in Colorado. They also enjoyed the friendship of their Glenview Circle neighbors.

Tom was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinal fan, and enjoyed nothing more than attending games in St. Louis. He enjoyed playing baseball, golf, tennis, softball, and coaching Steve’s Independent League baseball team. He also enjoyed playing cards with friends, especially the Thursday group at Happy’s Place. He and Jan have also maintained a special connection with friends from their dating days. A must event on their calendar was the annual family vacation gatherings with Jaycee friends for the last 50 years.

Those left to cherish Tom’s memory include his wife, Jan; his children Kim (Chuck) Haas of Dubuque, Mike Pins of Boulder, Colorado, Steve Pins (fiancée Lisa Neis) of Platteville, Wisconsin; grandchildren Brock (Gina), Brett, and Brandon Haas; sister Carole (Ken) Snodgrass; sister-in-law, Vonda Hosch; and nieces Cheryl, Tricia, Denise, Kathy, and Deanne.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Marge Pins, stepmother Mary Schneider-Pins, brother Arthur Jr, in infancy, in-laws Irvin and Luella Muchow, and brother-in-law Charlie Hosch.

Memorials will be donated by the family to charities special to them.

The family wants to thank the nurses and staff at MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center for all their kindness and compassion. It is truly appreciated.