Thomas Michael Pivonka Obituary
We announce the death of Thomas Michael Pivonka of Great Bend, Kansas, who passed away on September 24, 2026, at the age of 70. Thomas will be remembered by family members, friends, and others whose lives were connected in meaningful ways. Family and friends are welcome to leave their condolences on this memorial page and share them with the family.
He was predeceased by: his parents, James "Jim" Pivonka and Betty Jean Pivonka (Sandstrom). He is survived by: his wife Janice Pivonka (Watson); his children, Jeff Pivonka (Thuy) of Lenexa and Shawn Helie (Rob) of Chandler, Ariz.; his stepdaughter Melanie Deterding (Brian) of Greensburg; his stepmother Laura Pivonka; his stepsiblings, Rick Warnken (Kim) of Garden City, Lachele Greathouse (Greg) of Garden City and Brenda Barrett (Steve) of Garden City; his half-sister Sheri Hicks of Mesa, Ariz.; and his grandchildren, Brady Deterding, Brock Deterding, Johanna Helie, Vienna Helie and Whitley Pivonka. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 30th 2026 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Bryant Funeral Home (1425 S Patton Rd, Great Bend, KS 67530). A prayer will be held on Wednesday, September 30th 2026 at 7:00 PM at the same location. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, October 1st 2026 at 10:30 AM at the St. Patrick Catholic Church (4100 Broadway Ave, Great Bend, KS 67530).
Memorials may be made out to Barton Community College Foundation (to benefit the athletic department), in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530.
