Leonard S. Tromp

Leonard S. Tromp of Hinsdale Funeral services for Leonard S. Tromp, 83, will be held at noon today, at Lombard Christian Reformed Church, 2020 S. Meyers Road, Lombard, where he will lie in state from 11 a.m. until the time of services. The Rev. Nathan Elgersma will officiate. Born July 11, 1918, in Chicago, he died of cancer Sunday, April 7, 2002, at his home, surrounded by his family. Interment will be in Forest Home Cemetery, Forest Park. Mr. Tromp was raised on the West Side of Chicago and began his career in the moving industry at age 14, following in his father's footsteps. He served in the Navy as a radio operator on the USS Sarasota, where he viewed the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima. After the war he resumed his career and in 1968 co-founded Suburban Moving and Storage with his partner, John Sorenson. Leonard was a member of Lombard Christian Reformed Church. His two passions were his family and his work, and he will especially be remembered for his compassion, faith, generosity and sense of humor. He was a hero to many and will be forever missed. Leonard is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Betty Jean (nee Herrgott), whom he married in 1948; children, Mary Ellen (George) Middleton of Naperville, Denise (Keith) Brennan of Riverside, Leonard (Gail) Tromp Jr. of Lisle, Peter (Anna Sullivan) Tromp of Western Springs, Elizabeth (Patrick) Little of Louisiana, Patricia (William) Gill of Lisle, Virginia (Mark) Tromp-Lovecky of Virginia and Joan Tromp of Forest Park; 22 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, Siebrandt and Esther Chaloupka Tromp; and sisters, Grace (the late John) Vos, Matilda (the late John) Voss and Mae (William) Schutt. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Elim Christian School, 13020 S. Central, Palos Heights, IL 60463; or to Misericordia Heart of Mercy Center, 2916 W. 47th St., Chicago, IL 60632. Arrangements were made by the Knollcrest Funeral Home, Lombard. Friends may visit www.dailyherald.com/obits to express condolences and sign the guest book. For funeral information, (630)932-1500.