Thomas J Leslie

Thomas J. Leslie left this world on May 29, 2025, to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He came to Rockford after earning his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Missouri-Rolla. Later he earned a Master in Business Administration degree from Northern Illinois University. He worked for Sundstrand Aerospace for 32 years and continued working there as a contractor for an additional 15 years through Kaney Aerospace. He held a variety of positions in engineering, marketing, and program management. He enjoyed working with many outstanding people during those years, as well as enjoying the challenge of seeing new frontiers being conquered in the ever-evolving aerospace world.
He served his church and community in various capacities including Chairman of the Elder Board and Church Chairman of Temple Baptist Church, Chairman of the Board of Rockford Christian Elementary School, Area Director and Core Group Leader in Community Bible Study, Hallstrom Home School Board, and Secretary of the Creekside Homes Association Board.
His greatest joy was his family. He was married to the love of his life, Susan, for 56 years, she stood by his side through both the joys and not-so-joys that life brought their way. Her laugh and smile always helped pull him through. Her wise council was a true gift. For a marriage to last the test of time it is the wife who forgives and overlooks the most, not the husband. They were blessed with three children: Adam (Janna) Leslie, Amanda (Greg) Hoffman, and Amelia (Andrew) Tuttle. One of the best joys of life are grandchildren. Seeing them come into this world and grow up is in itself a blessing. This blessing in his life was Claudia, Joah, William, Olive, Jameson, and Rosamund.
Preceding him are his parents, Thomas H. and Catherine C. Leslie; an infant baby sister, Billie; and his son-in-law, Greg.
Someday you who are reading this will have something like this written for and about you. Where will you be after you leave this world behind? It will happen. Please don't fool yourself. Every generation has done and will do the same thing, namely, die. Consider Jesus Christ while you still have life. Just study Him and come to your own conclusion.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Olson North Main Chapel, 2811 N. Main St., Rockford with The Reverend Jeff Honson officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 12:45 prior to the service. Private burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. To share a memory or condolence visit olsonfh.com .