Thomas (Tom) Joseph Burek, 62, of Galesburg, passed away on Saturday, December 12, 2020, surrounded by his family, after a 42 day courageous battle with Covid-19.    Tom was born on January 16, 1958 in Chicago.  He was the son of Thomas C. and Vivienne F. (Hrusa) Burek.  Tom was married to Gaye Lynn (Hovind) Burek on October 4, 1986 in Galesburg.  Tom is survived by his loving wife, Gaye, his two daughters, Caylyn G. Burek of Collinsville, and Laine (Matt) Galardini of McLean, and his newborn grandson, Burek Patrick Galardini. Tom is also survived by his brother George (Connie) Burek of Brimfield, sister Teri (Tom) Segneri of Peoria, sister Debbie Burek of League City, Texas, and father-in-law Larry Hovind of Galesburg.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, all who will cherish their memories of Uncle Tom.  Tom was preceded in death by his parents, and his mother-in-law, Phoebe Hovind.  Tom retired as a Lieutenant from the Illinois State Police in December 2012.  Since retiring from the State Police, Tom has been the Aquatics Director and Swimming and Water Polo Coach at Monmouth College.  In both of his careers, Tom was admired by many and looked to as a role model.  Tom had two passions in his life; his family and coaching swimming.   He loved his wife and daughters as a devoted husband and father.  They spent many years and will cherish the fond memories of living on Lake Bracken.  Tom started coaching swimming while in college, and it was a part of his life from that point forward.  He coached in Peoria at Willow Knolls Country Club, the YMCA, PAWW and Bradley University.  He continued coaching at Lake Bracken Country Club, Lakeside, the YMCA and Soangetaha Country Club in Galesburg.  Tom always enjoyed reuniting with parents of current swimmers, who he had once coached when they were younger.  He had a knack for making the competitive sport fun for his swimmers, whether it was through playing Sharks and Minnows, having Lollypop Relays, his famous Coin Toss game, or jumping off the diving board to rinse after shampooing their hair.  In addition to having fun, Tom helped his swimmers both in and out of the pool, to become the best they could be.   Tom was of the Catholic Faith. Cremation has been accorded to his wishes. Tom's visitation will be from 5:00 - 8:00 pm on Thursday at Watson Thomas Funeral Home in Galesburg. Due to Covid restrictions, masks are required and social distancing and limited occupancy will be in place.  A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday morning at 10:00 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Galesburg.   The funeral mass may be viewed live via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/WatsonThomasFHIn lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to honor Tom to the St. Jude Children's Hospital or to the Illinois State Police Memorial Park and Heritage Foundation.