Merlock, Thomas J. Age 71, of Waukegan, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2014, surrounded by his loved ones at Vista East Medical Center in Waukegan. Tom courageously battled lung cancer for 10 years and passed away due to complications of the disease. Tom was born on August 11, 1942 in Waukegan to John and Victoria (Jappel) Merlock and grew up in North Chicago. He graduated from North Chicago Community High School and attended Marquette University. After having served in the United States Marine Corp, Tom joined the family-owned, service station business, Merlock's Amoco, in Waukegan. He was a past Grand Knight and a lifetime member in the Knights of Columbus, enjoyed fishing, and was a die-hard Cubs fan. Tom's sense of humor and self-proclaimed good looks will be missed by all who knew him. Survivors include his best friend and wife, Candace (Finn); four children: Thomas L. (Lily) Merlock, Kristen (Christopher) Weihs, Denise (Randy) Kleiboer, and Kathryn (Juan) Cervantes; two step-daughters, Lisa Strang and Lori Strang; 13 grandchildren: Evan, Trevor, and Jake Merlock; Ally, Ashley, Adam, and Anderson Weihs; Hunter, Madelyn, and Kylie Kleiboer; and Holly, Antti, and Noah Cervantes; and three step-grandchildren: Jaxson Strang, Dylan Kleiboer, and David Cervantes. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, John and Victoria Merlock; brother, John Merlock; and sister, Lauretta Opeka. Friends may visit the family on Thursday, January 30, from 6:00pm until the time of the memorial service at 7:00pm, with military honors following at the Salata Gurnee Funeral Home, 4190 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations in Tom's memory be made to the American Cancer Society, Lake County Regional Office, 100 Tri-State International #125, Lincolnshire, IL 60069. Please sign our online guest register book at www.SalataGurneeFuneralHome.com.
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Dear Tom, Kristen, Denise and Katie,
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. My prayers are with your family during this sad time.
In sympathy,
Mrs. Dee Kalk
Dee Kalk
January 31, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Candie and family on the loss of your husband (my cousin) and children and grand children. My prayers and thoughts go out to all.
Marie (Wegrzyn) Anuta
January 31, 2014
Once again, my sister beat me to the punch.
To the Merlock family, my deepest regrets and sympathy to all of you. And to you Tommy, and I know you will be reading these. You and I as well as Howie Liskey and sometimes Eddie Stanczak roamed the streets of the North Shore not only throughout H.S. but well into your years in Milwaukee (at least for 8 years). Thank GOD you owned a car. The stories I can not share with anyone but you, will have to wait until we meet again. We were bonded friends then and will again someday be joined and have a cig., some beer and once again have a great time. Hopefully Cartwright (sp) will not chew our butts out and Maybe I'll toss a few pitches to one of the best catchers N.C.C.H.S. ever had.
Ed. (Jr.) Johnson
Ed. Johnson
January 30, 2014
Sorry we can't be there tonight, we are travleing to Pennsylvania. Our thought are with all of you at this time! Tony and Gloria Charland and family
January 30, 2014
To the Merlock family my sympathy goes out to you all. I Remember Tom when he & my brother Ed Johnson & him were best friends. They went to school together & played baseball together. I also knew the Merlock Family through my best friend Chris Kazmyran. Again my deepest sympathy. Sincerely Shirley (Johnson) Larson
January 29, 2014
Candy...So sorry to hear about Tom. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Micki H
January 29, 2014
THE MERLOCK FAMILY MADE A LONG TIME CONTRIBUTION TO THE NORTH CHICAGO-WAUKEGAN AREA. AS HE JOINS LAURIE, JOHNNY, AND HIS FAMILY, MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
JOAN JOHNSTON TOMKOVICK, WAUKEGAN
January 29, 2014
Candie and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in the days ahead.
Julie Orbank
January 29, 2014
To the Merlock Family my Deepest Sypathy for your loss. I bowled with Tom back in the late '70's and he was a lot of fun, always had that smile/smirk on his face...he will be missed.
James Korjenek
January 29, 2014
Dear Candy,
I am SO sorry to have read this, I know it's been a long hard struggle dealing with the illness.as a great man! Now he is at peace and will not suffer anymore. I hope you are doing ok and please take care of yourself!! Go Cubs!!
Kimberly Klammer-Bishop
January 29, 2014
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