Tomas “TJ” Antonio Tellez
March 18, 1997-October 3 ,2024
Tomas Antonio Tellez, 27, affectionately known as “TJ” by most, was born March 18, 1997, and passed away unexpectedly October 3, 2024. Tj was born in Omaha, Nebraska. He lived in Lincoln, NE for a short time and lived in the Phoenix, Arizona Metro area. Sadly, last Thursday, our beloved TJ fell asleep and did not awaken. Our hearts are devastated.
An angel on earth, TJ is now our guardian angel on the other side of the veil. At 6’3″, TJ was larger than life. His enormously big heart was filled with so much love for others, TJ shared his love freely, without conditions, with so many people. He will be remembered for many things, including his humor and endless jokes, unconditional love, and loyalty to family and friends who supported and loved him.
TJ is survived by his loving mother Valerie Marie Kmiecik (Cleaver/Tellez); siblings: Marisela Tellez (Nick Schincke), Riley Kmiecik, Autumn Kmiecik, Mason Tellez, Talon Tellez, Nicolas Hart, and Destiny Kmiecik. TJ leaves behind a precious part of his heart, Reon Gael Martinez. TJ is also survived by his beloved grandmothers, Carol Aguilera (Cleaver) and Kari Winder; grandparents, Rick and Julie Cleaver; nieces: Carolyn, Kinsley and Leia; nephew, Liam, will dearly miss their “Uncle Chili.” He had two uncles, Eric Cleaver (Abby Buchanaan) and Michael Morgan; many cousins, great-aunts and uncles; biological father, Tomas Rumaldo Tellez.
TJ spent many hours working in the Arizona desert heat working out to prepare to serve in the US Army infantry. He started an apprenticeship with plans to become a plumber. TJ’s training was delayed because of setbacks and challenges, and he became skilled in creating and installing granite and marble countertops. His employers describe him as a dedicated hard worker. TJ had many athletic talents and could pick up a basketball, football and baseball to help his team win! Built like a linebacker, he could run faster than any offensive player. TJ loved video games. Although miles away from his family, TJ played online daily with his younger brother, Riley, and brother-in-law Nick. He was the cat’s meow in everyone’s eyes, and forever “Poogie Bear” in his mother’s eyes.
TJ was preparing to move from Arizona back to Omaha in a few weeks. The family was preparing a welcome home celebration. TJ was excited to start a new journey back home and he was filled with hope for his future. He looked forward to the family trip to Italy next year. TJ planned to fly to Los Angeles October 10 for a family vacation on the California beaches. No one imagined he would be flying to Omaha October 8 for his memorial service on October 10.
TJ would not want his family and those he loved dearly to grieve his unexpected departure and to think of him only with sadness and pain. Our lives will never be the same. But in honor of TJ’s life and love, we will honor how he would want us to live. We will celebrate his life and always remember that we were blessed and privileged to share his life journey. TJ is an amazing Child of God and has returned to his Heavenly Father. He is too great to describe in an obituary—TJ is love, joy, and a perpetual light to everyone who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed by the family.
FUNERAL SERVICE: Thursday October 10, 2024, 11:00AM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.
INTERMENT: Graceland Park Cemetery
11 Comments
May happy memories of your loved one bring you comfort.
I wisyou all.h you and your family peace and comfort as you grieve. Love
My dearest family and friends. I’m sending prayers and love to comfort all. Tomorrow Celebrate his life with love and gusto!!!!
MayGod bless you and make this a little easier to bear
You will always be my Poogie Bear. I love you so much.
TJ I love you always have and always will. This has opened my eyes and I look at the world much different now that you are gone. I am so happy for the time we shared. I’m so sorry that I couldn’t stop this from happening I love u forever and ever goodbye my son.
To my dearest cousin & Family may God comfort you & give you strength & peace. Love.
TJ, I’m going to miss you saying Mowinda. And of course if I want a chicken nugget inside a burrito. TJ nothing will ever be the same, you were not suppose to go before me . Love you always, Mo
Who will call me Mowinda? I want to hear do you want a chicken nugget inside a burrito. ? I will miss watching football games with you, our long talks, your encouragement to me. I was not supposed to be letting you go now.TJ I love you so much buddy!! Be happy and at peace, until we meet again, Mo
Valerie words cant express the sadness n my heart for you. I only met TJ a hand full of times but each time he was a great young man who you could tell just loved his mom.
Prayers for your family ,here if there’s anything I can do .
I’m going to miss you.
Valerie, my heart hurts for you and your family. I still have in my dear memories of you and Eric when you were young. I pray that God’s angels continue to comfort you with their Heavenly wings. Love you, Teresa
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