Thomas J. Menard

Thomas John Menard, age 64, of Demotte, IN, went home to be with the Lord January 30, 2025.

Tom is survived by the love of his life, Laura; their 4 children: Andrew, Aaron, Jessica, and Zachary, daughters-in-law: Naomi (Andrew), Alisha (Aaron), Evonne (Zac), son-in-law: Matthew (Jess) Bysina, 14 beloved grandchildren: Caiden, Judah, Brendan, Rhonan, Audrey, Nathan, Arietta, Ezrah, David, Joshua, Amaliya, Ailee, Ella, and Alena, 8 siblings: Robert (Teresa), James (Marikay), Raymond, Eileen (the late Morris) Williams, Teresa (Edward) Wirtschoreck, Marybeth (Edward) Palhegyi, Laura (Pete) Bowie, and Suzanne De Los Monteros, mother-in-law: Mary Janet (Don) Mock, and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. He made every member of the family feel uniquely special and held a cherished relationship with each of them.

At the center of Tom's life was his love for and devotion to Jesus Christ. His worn Bible, which he opened daily, holds decades of notes scratched in the margins. A man of unshakable conviction, throughout his life Tom actively served in church, most recently at Community Church Roselawn. Tom had a great passion for serving young people, impacting countless lives for good over decades, as a Sunday School Teacher, AWANA leader, VBS counselor, etc.

Tom was born May 27, 1960, to the late Robert and Mary Menard in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Hubbard High School, Class of 1978, before attending the University of Illinois at Chicago Circle (now UIC) where he ran cross country and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing in 1982. He was an Eagle Scout and member of the Order of the Arrow.

Laura and Tom were married on March 19, 1983 in Berwyn, Ill. All of their children were born in Lubbock, Texas, before the family returned to Illinois in 1998.

Family was Tom's heart. He loved adventures - exploring, hiking, and observing nature - but simply being with his family brought him the most happiness. He was a child at heart, always playing with his kids and grandkids, and he was adored for his humor. But Tom was also wise beyond his years, an anchor respected and trusted by many. An avid runner, Tom rarely went a day without putting a few miles on his running shoes, and was in the habit of running an annual marathon, often with Jess and Aaron.

Tom never met a stranger. He had a servant's heart and went out of his way to make anyone and everyone feel welcome and supported. His infectious joy, generosity, and friendliness were evident anywhere he went. While he revels in Christ's majesty forevermore, here on earth his legacy lives on in the joy, love, generosity and devotion he so freely gave.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Community Church Roselawn: 10498 N. 450 E., DeMotte, IN 46310. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 4:00 p.m. at the church, with Chaplain (Maj) Aaron Menard officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center- Will County, Illinois.

Thank you to the family for writing this obituary.