Thomas A. Chytka

Thomas was born on March,16, 1940, in Yankton, South Dakota to Emil and Mable (Dolesi) Chytka. During his childhood, he worked closely with his dad on many businesses which involved cars, construction, and fishing. He graduated from Yankton High school and attended Yankton College. On May 11th, 1963, Tom married Phyllis Heine in St. Helena, NE. Over the following years, he established an interest for the meat industry. He worked at Harker's, Schwann's, and Jesse's Meats companies during that time frame. In 1973, he moved the family to Tabor, SD where they owned and ran Chytka’s Market. Throughout his life, he embraced the entrepreneurial spirit and creative drive for excellence. He cherished time with his family, friends and the general interaction with people.

Thomas is survived by five sons: Tom (Carol) Chytka of Elk Point, SD, Col. Jon (Juli) Chytka of Portsmouth, RI, James (Belinda) Chytka of Eagan, MN, Jed Chytka of Yankton, SD, and Jarett (Tanya) Chytka of Bishop, CA; eleven grandchildren: Matthew, Katelyn, Alyssa, Maria, Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Zachary and Hayley, Caleb and Joshua; two great-grandchildren, Lucas and Athenna; and one sister, Donna Severson of Tucson, AZ.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents; the love of his life, Phyllis; and one brother-in-law, Roger Severson.