Thomas W. Keogh

Thomas Keogh, 56, of Colona, IL, died Friday, July 2, surrounded by his family at the University of Iowa Hospital.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, at Schroder Mortuary in Colona, with visitation one hour prior. A celebration of life will follow at Leisure Time in East Moline until 7 p.m.

Tom was born July 19, 1969, in Chicago, IL, to Terry and Judith (Bernard Keogh. On October 9, 1999, he married the love of his life, Jackie Whipple, at St. John’s Lutheran Church. Together they built a life centered around their two children, Marissa and Trevor, who were the heart of everything Tom did.

Tom’s early career in the casino industry took him from the Diamond Lady—where he first met Jackie—to Peoria IL, Biloxi, MS, Key West Fl and Aurora, IL before settling in the Quad Cities. In 2004 he began working at Alcoa, where he remained until his retirement on January 1, 2026. Tom was never someone who sat still - always curious, always learning, always willing to lend a hand.

Tom had a way of making people feel seen. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, starting with a simple question about where they were from and letting the rest unfold naturally. He loved fishing, billiards, gambling, real estate, and being surrounded by family. But above all, he loved being a father. Marissa and Trevor were not just his children—they were his pride, his joy, and the reason he worked so hard.

In August 2018, Tom received a lung transplant that changed the course of his life. He embraced that second chance with gratitude and determination. Because of that gift, he was honored to be accepted as a donor to the Iowa Donor Network upon his passing, continuing the cycle of giving that had once saved him.

Tom leaves behind his wife Jackie; their children Marissa and Trevor; his sisters Kim Kazda, Nicole (Patrick) Keogh‑Daly, and Emily (Bob) Wasik; and his stepmother Sharon Keogh. He is also survived by his in‑laws Patty Ekin, Ron (LuAnn) Whipple, Jamie (Brandy) Whipple, and Mary Whipple; his adopted brother Clint Denney and too many nieces and nephews to name.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers‑in‑law Frank Kazda and David Whipple.