Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Gurnee Salata Funeral Home

4190 Old Grand Ave

Gurnee, Illinois

Tom Trenkle Obituary

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.

Published by News Sun from Apr. 7 to Apr. 13, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Tom Trenkle

Not sure what to say?





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

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results

Make a Donation
in Tom Trenkle's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Tom Trenkle

Apr

8

Visitation

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Gurnee Salata Funeral Home

4190 Old Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031

Apr

9

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

St. Dismas Catholic Church

2600 Sunset Ave, Waukegan, IL 60031

Apr

9

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Dismas Catholic Church

2600 Sunset Ave., Waukegan, IL 60031

Funeral services provided by:

Gurnee Salata Funeral Home

4190 Old Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031

How to support Tom's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Tom Trenkle's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more