Thomas Megel

Funeral Mass for Thomas will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, August 26, 2022, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with visitation 1 hour prior Inurnment will take place at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Des Moines. Thomas Mark Megel was born April 15, 1951 in Omaha, NE. He passed away Monday, August 22, 2022 in Des Moines, IA. He was 71 years old. Tom grew up in Papillion, NE, the son of Robert and Catherine (Gerken) Megel. Tom graduated from Sacred Heart Grade School in Papillion, NE. He attended for three years the Augustinian Recollect Seminary in Norfolk, CT. He graduated from Archbishop Ryan High School in Omaha, NE. He received a degree from Iowa State University, Ames, IA. Tom served his country four years in the United States Air Force, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Duty posts in Europe and the Mid-East heightened his interests in archeology, ancient and medieval history and Mid-Eastern art and religious practices. His professional career spanned several industries. He began working as a boy in the family lumber yard, Megel & Son. Following several intermediate jobs, Tom capped his professional work with a lengthy career with the United States Postal Service. Tom’s interests included participation in extensive activities associated with the Masons. A particular area of focus was the history of the rite and the preservation of historically accurate procedures and rituals. He started his Masonic journey by joining King David Lodge #407 in 2004. Over the next several years, he achieved many honors and positions of distinction within the York Rite of Freemasonry, the elite Order of the Red Cross of Constantine, and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite. In the York Rite he was decorated with the highest awards that can be presented at the State level – Cryptic Mason of the Year in 2012, and the Bronze Service Award and Knight Templar Cross of Honor in 2018. In 2019 he went on to be installed Red Cross of Constantine. He was member of the Legion of Honor of Shriners International and member of Order of Eastern Star. Tom was an avid reader. His tastes spanned a broad spectrum of literature, science, history, fiction and biographical works. Tom married Janice Mascari on September 3, 2005. Their home included multiple animals including his latest companion Etta. Tom was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Catherine Megel. He is survived by his spouse Janice, his twin brother Terry (Roberta) Megel, Omaha, NE, sisters Mary (Earl) Barton, Council Bluffs, IA, Joann (Lee) Gullickson, Coralville, IA, brothers Kenneth, Tucson, AZ, Steven (Deborah), Simi Valley, CA, Patrick, Papillion, NE, James (Melinda), Alexandria, MN, and David (Robin), Dunedin, FL. Tom also is survived by 13 nieces and nephews and 21 great-nieces and nephews.