SFC (Ret) Thomas James Napieralski, of Dixon, was born on September 13, 1964, in Georgia, a son of Charles and Helen (Perkins) Napieralski, and departed this life at 2:30 a.m., Thursday, March 26, 2015, at his residence near Dixon. SFC Napieralski had been in failing health for the past few years and had attained the age of 50 years, 6 months, and 13 days.

Tom was united in marriage on August 17, 1987, at Mt. Vernon, to Melanie M. Sommerfeld and to this union, four children were born. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles and one sister, Debbie Jackson.

In 1983, at Kansas City, Missouri, Tom entered into the United States Army and served until January 2006 when he was honorably discharged at Fort Leonard Wood. During his military career he was awarded and entitled to wear the Driver and Mechanic Badge; Mechanic/Army Gold Recruiter Badge; Meritorious Service Medal (2); Army Commendation Medal (5); Army Achievement Medal (7); Army Good Conduct Medal (7); Army of Occupation Medal; National Defense Service Medal (2); Bronze German Armed Forces Marksmanship Badge; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; Humanitarian Service Medal (2); Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (3); Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Ribbon (3); Multinational Force and Observers Medal; Expert Infantry Badge; and the Marksmanship Long Range CRS. A man of excellent character, SFC Napieralski's "Honorable Discharge" is a testimonial of honest and faithful service to his country.


Those left to mourn the passing of Tom include: his wife, Melanie Napieralski, Dixon; his mother, Helen Morgan, Hollister; one daughter, Sara Napieralsk; three sons and one daughter-in-law, Ricky Napieralski, Kevin and Angel Napieralski and Travis Napieralski, all of Dixon; two brothers, Richard Napieralski and Eddie Napieralski, both of Springfield; one sister, Paul Grant, Branson; five grandchildren, Ethan, Isabella, Hailey, Maddie, and Grayson; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted for Tom at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 30, 2015, in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Dixon with Pastor Bill Kempen, St. Robert Church of God, officiating.

Interment with full military honors was in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Fort Leonard Wood, under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Dixon. Pallbearers at the funeral home were Ricky Napieralski, Sara Napieralski, Carmen Napieralski, Kevin Napieralski, Russ Hamilton and John Bowen and pallbearers at the interment were United States Army personnel.