Thomas Edward "Tom" Grace

Thomas "Tom" Edward Grace, 85, of Wheaton, IL, formerly of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, with his family by his side. He was born on January 3, 1941, in Dubuque, IA, to Edward Joseph Grace and Margaret Ruth (née Williams).

Tom grew up in Garryowen, Iowa and attended St. Columbkille High School, class of 1958. Tom continued his education by earning a bachelor's degree from Loras College and later a master's degree in business from the University of Iowa. In 1962 Tom met the love of his life, Margaret Larsen, the two dated for 3 years before they were married on July 10,1965 at St Joseph Catholic church in DeWitt, Iowa. In 1963 Tom joined the Air Force, he earned the rank of Captain before he left the service in 1967. After leaving the service Tom began his long career in the world of banking. He worked at LaSalle National Bank for a majority of his career. Over the years Tom also worked for Corus Bank until his retirement. In 2002 Tom retired after 33 years in the banking industry.

Tom was a long-time member of St. Mark's Catholic Church in Wheaton and later became a member of St. Michael's when the two churches merged in 2025.

In his free time Tom liked to run marathons, and he also enjoyed going to art shows. He liked exploring the world and one of his favorite places to visit was Glacier National Park in Montana.

Tom's family will always remember him taking long walks in the park, visiting the French Market in Wheaton to buy flowers for Margaret, reading a good book, watching the markets, washing the cars, and always being able to wear his Air Force fatigues to begin a household painting project.

Tom leaves behind; his loving wife of 60 years Margaret; His children include Edward and Barbara (nee London) Grace of Wheaton, Il. Maura (Grace) and Sean McCrate of Wheaton, Il, and Thomas and Denise (nee Lawrence) Grace of Wheaton, Il. His grandchildren include Connor Grace, Anna Grace, and Maggie McCrate.

Tom was preceded in passing by his parents, Edward and Ruth Grace along with his brothers Clete, Al, and his sisters Eleanor, Mary, and Winnie.

The Memorial Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL 60187. The Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 310 S Wheaton Ave, Wheaton, IL 60187. A private inurnment will be held at St Michael Cemetery in Wheaton.

In lieu of flowers donations to Milton Township Food Pantry in Tom's memory it would be appreciated.