Roy Thomas Fenstermaker Jr.

Roy Thomas Fenstermaker Jr.
in Springfield, IL
in Sycamore, IL
Roy Thomas Fenstermaker Jr. 92 of Sycamore, Ill., passed away February 7, 2026 at Lincolnshire Place in Sycamore.
Born April 14, 1933 in Springfield, Illinois. Tom was the only child of Roy Thomas Sr. and Madeline (Hall) Fenstermaker. After starting life on a farm in Virden, Illinois, Roy Sr. moved his family north to Lee Center, Genoa, then eventually settling in Sycamore when Tom was a senior in High School. Tom attended the University of Illinois, graduating in 1955.
While at U of I, Tom was a member of the Air Force ROTC and Delta Upsilon Fraternity. During his junior year, he met the "love of his life" Joan on a blind date. Tom and Joan were married December 29, 1957, celebrating 66 years together before Joan's death in 2024. After college, Tom served in the Air Force based in several areas in Texas, Denver and Myrtle Beach. While in Myrtle Beach, Tom and Joan had their first child, Ronald, before retiring in 1959 as First Lieutenant.
At the age of 26, Tom moved his family back to Sycamore to farm with Roy Sr. where he farmed for over 50 years. He grew corn, soy beans and wheat and initially raised beef cattle before switching to a hog operation.
Tom enjoyed being active in the DeKalb County Community. He served on several boards, including Kishwaukee Jr. College, the Sycamore School District, Kishwaukee Hospital, DeKalb County Pork Producers (president), and Dekalb County Farm Bureau. He and Joan started Ag in the Classroom. He also volunteered his time at the Methodist church, including the Men's pancake dinner. He had the opportunity to host the DeKalb County corn and soybean plots in 1993. Tom was also honored with the Illinois Master Farmer award in 1990 and Cliff Danilson Outstanding Citizen award in 2009.
Tom loved traveling, hiking, skiing and golfing. He took pleasure in being a father and grandfather. While his children were growing up, Tom always had time for them. From playing King of the Hill after a big snow storm, to supporting them in their many endeavors.
Tom is survived by his three children, Ronald (Karen) Fenstermaker, Susan (Randy) Deihs, Kathy (Doug) Stice; twelve grand- and step-grandchildren, Isabella, Samuel and Christopher Fenstermaker, Katharine (Steven) Tarczynski, Rebecca (Jason) O'Brien, Ryan ( Melissa) Deihs, Olivia (Craig) Klein, Cole Deihs, Mark (Camila), Moriah, Emma and George Stice; and seven great grandchildren, Elijah, Ezekiel and Lucas Tarczynski, Harper O'Brien, Corinne and Hallie Klein and Beckett Deihs.
Tom was proceeded in death by his parents, his wife Joan, and one granddaughter, Jenny Lenzini.
Visitation will take place from 12-2:30 p.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Olson's Quiram Sycamore Chapel, 1245 Somonauk St., Sycamore, IL 60178. The funeral services will be private. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery in Sycamore.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Jenny Lenzini Memorial Scholarship Fund (776548) to University of Illinois Foundation P.O. Box 734500, Chicago, IL 60673-4500 or the Dementia Society of America P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901 or via DementiaSociety.org.
For information, call 815-895-6589. Visit www.olsonfh.com to leave a condolence.