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Trenkle, Tom On April 4, 2014, Tom Trenkle, surrounded by his dear wife, Sheila, and his children, ended his fight with cancer. He died at peace in his home of 56 years in Waukegan, Illinois. Born on November 5, 1928, in central Illinois, he grew up on a farm between Champaign and Bloomington. He was always fond of the simplicity of that life with his 6 siblings, and the wide-open spaces that surrounded him. He attended Purdue University and later came to Waukegan where he met his wife of 49 years, Doris Copp. He subsequently worked at Abbott Laboratories for 30+ years in the Quality Assurance division. His faith was a central part of his life. He was active in the men's club and the school at Immaculate Conception Church in Waukegan. After his retirement from Abbott, he was at the Church more often, helping count the Sunday collection and "hanging out" with the pastor and the priests. He is survived by his wife, Sheila, and his children, Tim Trenkle (Jeanne), Mary Beth Berg (Gary), Kathryn Connell, Jean Leccesi (John), Martin (Malissa), Christopher Trenkle, and Kurt Trenkle (Nancy); step-children, Steven (Cathy) Burkey, Ryan (Julie) Burkey; grandchildren, Ryan Snow Trenkle (Elizabeth), Margret Miller (Justin), Karalyn Sica (Louis), Michael Connell, Jennifer Leccesi, Joseph Leccesi, Max Trenkle, Shannon Trenkle, Mia Trenkle, Scott (Tara) Trenkle, and Kaylie Trenkle; step-grandchildren, Michael (Amber) Burkey, Nicholas (Jaclyn) Burkey, Jenna and Caitlin Burkey; his 3 great-grandchildren, Audrey Anne, Noah and Benedict Trenkle; step-great-grandchildren, Zachary and Hunter Burkey. He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris and a granddaughter, Michelle Leccesi. We will miss his him, but his laughter and joy will remain with us always. Visitation will be on Tuesday, April 8th, 2014 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Gurnee-Salata Funeral Home at 4190 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee, IL and at St. Dismas Church, 2600 Sunset Ave., Waukegan, IL from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9th, 2014 until time of Mass at 10:00 a.m. Private burial will follow at Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
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My deepest sympathies to the Trenkle family. I'll always remember your Dad's big laugh and beautiful singing voice. May happy memories help fill the void his passing has left. With comforting thoughts and prayers for you all.
Jane Ferry
April 9, 2014
Please accept our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
The Krueger Family
April 9, 2014
Sheila, and Trenkle Family, Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Tom touched so many lives with his wonderful kind spirit and, yes, that Tom laugh! We were blessed to have known such a wonderful man, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather. What a beautiful legacy of wonderful people he has blessed this world with. Our love and prayers to all of you.
Cathy & Larry Dluhos
April 9, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
The Keefe Family
Kim Evans
April 8, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Tom was a wonderful man.
Paul & Barbara Courington
April 8, 2014
I am verry sorry to hear about Tom. I worked at Abbott and Tom was our QA person and he was always pleasant. I also worked with Tim while he was in the summer worker program. I am sorry for your loss.
Mike Ingalls
April 8, 2014
I remember so many things about Uncle Tom. When the Trenkle brothers and sisters gathered together there was always prayer, pinochle, good food and their amazing Hearty Trenkle Laughter. He will be sorely missed and memories of this wonderful Godly, kind and intelligent man will always bring a smile. My love and condolences to you, my wonderful family. xo xo
Raphia Trenkle Duchinski
April 7, 2014
I'll always remember his smile, the twinkle in his eyes and that contagious "Trenkle laugh"...will miss you Uncle Tom
Colette Storck
April 7, 2014
Dear Jeanie and family,
So sorry to hear about your dad. He was such a joy. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Mary Ann and Pat
April 7, 2014
I was part of the lunch group too, along with Dick Massmann. We used to call him "little Tommy Trenkle." Sorry for your loss.
Ron Smith
April 7, 2014
Growing up across the street from the Trenkle's home was a blessing I will never forget. The door was always open, as were their hearts.
Patrick Morris
April 7, 2014
I never met your father but Chris always talked about how wonderful of a man he was. I hope your memories keep you full of his love - Chris I hope you are at peace with his wonderful life and keep his memories close.
Cindy Shearer
April 7, 2014
Kathy, you are in my thoughts and prayers. My sympathy to you and your family and may your Dad rest in peace.
kathy graham
April 7, 2014
Tom and I and our gang were lunch companions at Abbott in North Chicago for many years. How few of us still remain. Tom was a great friend and always good-natured.
Ron Fredrickson
April 7, 2014
So sorry for your loss. I will never forget his laughter at the softball games.
Bill and Carol Hyde
April 7, 2014
We are so sorry about your loss, you are in our hearts and prayers.
Erik and Patricia Koseck
erik koseck
April 7, 2014
My condolences to Tom's family. Tom was one of our lunch group at Abbott for many years. He was such a delight and made our lunches together funny and entertaining. He will be missed.
Elizabeth Bennett
April 7, 2014
Our condolences to the family of a very special man.
Ron and Judi Smith
April 7, 2014
Please accept our condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Donald & Nancy Vasquez
April 7, 2014
Rest in peace, Tom, you have been a good and faithful servant! Our prayers and sympathy to all the Trenkle family.
Frank and Mary Jane Merlo
Mary Jane Merlo
April 7, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mike & Carole Shepard
April 7, 2014
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