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JOHN TOMME Obituary
Born June 29, 1930, in Chicago, John was a graduate of the University of Illinois and also held a PhD. from the University of Paris-Sorbonne. John served honorably as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy.
John's professional career included a number of teaching appointments in French language, including Wright Junior College, Northern Illinois University, and most recently, Kishwaukee College and Waubonsee Community College. A longtime resident of DeKalb, John was active in his church choir at St. Mary Parish.
He is survived by his brothers, Howard and Stephen, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ronald.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 4, at St. Mary Parish, 321 Pine St., DeKalb. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, DeKalb.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the local chapter of The Alzheimer's Association.
Arrangements were entrusted to Ronan-Moore-Finch Funeral Home, 310 Oak St., DeKalb, IL 60115. Visit www.ronanmoorefinch.com to send an online condolence; 815-758-3841.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOHN TOMME
Amelia Jane Castle
December 25, 2024
Your memory is for a blessing, John.
Amelia Jane Castle
December 25, 2023
RIP, John. I remember you in happier times.
Jane Castle aka Madame Château
Jane Castle
December 25, 2022
The years go by and your memory is still for a blessing.
Jane Castle
Fellow AATF member and friend
January 28, 2011
John Tomme was a life-long friend of my brother, Dyack, but I only met him once when I was just out of college living in Chicago. He took me all around sight-seeing, and I've never forgotten him for being so kind to a kid sister.
I know my brother will miss him greatly.
Mari Alice ReVeal, Potomac, Illinois
Monique Davoust
January 28, 2011
John, we will miss you at the Alliance Française de DuPage. Your humor, your "joie de vivre", your intellect, your stories, your love of French literature and of course your knowledge and love of the French era of "Film Noir". You were one in a million, and will be remembered.
Marion Breen
January 5, 2011
With sincere sympathy
Brian Jones
January 3, 2011
"I enjoyed all the good times we had when we were neighbors on S. 3rd Street. Rest in peace my friend.
John Miles
January 3, 2011
John's contribution to French teaching and foreign languages in Illinois was considerable -- and much appreciated by his colleagues. Condolences to family and friends.
John Miles
Former President AATF and ICTFL
Lori Lay
January 3, 2011
I was in Professor Tomme's French class at NIU. He was a wonderful and caring professor, always willing to provide extra help after class. He will be missed.
January 2, 2011
My sincere sympathy to John's family and close friends in the French language community. He will be missed.
Patsy Egan Turner, AATF Member
Robin Jacobi
January 2, 2011
John was such a warm, wonderful person who shared his love of French culture and language through his wit and humor. I so enjoyed working with him and seeing him at AATF Chicago/Northern IL functions. He will be greatly missed.
Jerry Plotkin
January 2, 2011
John was a good friend who, like his friends, appreciated teaching and using French. The photo was taken at an AATF session featuring the Grammar Police. Left to right, John and Jerry Plotkin.
Margarita Levasseur
January 1, 2011
I know John through AATF of Chicago/Northern Illinois and Alliance Française of DuPage County. I am so sorry to hear about John's death. He was a wonderful person to know and I always enjoyed talking to him. He had so much wonderful insight. I can definitely say that I learned a lot in my conversations with him. One of my fondest memories of him is a presentation he did with Jerry Plotkin on the intricacies of French language that was called "How dû you du?" where he and Jerry were the grammar police. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Jane castle
January 1, 2011
We will miss John so! He was a wonderful supporter of our AATf Chapter and a pleasure to know.
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