Thomas E. Trusk

Thomas E. "Tom" Trusk, U.S. Army Veteran.
Beloved husband for 59 years of Barbara nee Badke.
Loving father of Patti (Ken) Brucki, Matt (Nancy) Trusk, & Greg (Deirdre) Trusk.
Cherished grandfather of Jesselyn (Ruben) Velasco, C.J. Brucki, Patrick Brucki, Kayla (Tyler) Schaid, Zach (fiancé Makayla Simpson) Trusk,, Sarah Trusk, Ethan Trusk, Anna (Michael) Mora, & Jimmy Enright.
Proud great grandfather of Everly Marie Velasco.
Dear brother in law of John (Chris) Badke, Joan (Ralph) McCausland, & the late George (Sandy) Badke, & Rita & Paul McNally.
Treasured uncle & great uncle of many nieces & nephews.
Fond cousin of Susan (the late Bob) Vismek.
As a proud graduate of De La Salle High School, Tom created a cheerleading persona that continued for his children and grandchildren the rest of his life. While studying at Loyola University Tom secured his position as an industrial engineer (efficiency expert) at Zenith Corporation prior to graduation.Tom married the love of his life, Barbara Badke, on June 18th of 1966. The couple returned from their honeymoon to find his draft notice. Because he worked for Zenith for 2 ½ weeks it secured his position for when he returned to civilian life. Tom served two years in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war with the First Air Cavalry division. His honor flight was scheduled for this upcoming October 5th.
During his life, Tom led his Oak Lawn, Il. and St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church communities through acts of service: little league baseball coach, president of Titans Football, set designer for Oak Lawn High School Theater, lector and minister of communion, division chair for 8th grade catechism, Leader of the Knights of Columbus, committee member for Las Vegas Nights. Together as a couple Barb and Tom led teenage retreats with Christ in Others Retreat, mentored couples through Pre-Cana, Marriage Encounter,and Christ Renews His Parish. Tom was an active fundraiser for Lurie's and St. Jude's Children' s Hospitals as well as St. Joseph's Indian School. He lived his faith in action.
Tom was also a man immersed in DIY projects. Home Depot was his hardware store of choice. Ironically, his second career was as a department manager there. The projects in the garage both finished and unfinished serve as a life metaphor. You can't take it with you, so stay classy.
Tom Trusk was a gentleman. His slogan when winning the class of '62 leadership position was "Trust Trusk for Treasurer." True words.
Tom's integrity lives in the evidence of his 64 year love story with his wife Barbara and the tradition of service continuing throughout the lives of his children, in-laws, nieces and nephews, and beloved grandchildren.
Tom's life exemplified a consistent faith journey through tough times. And so his family joyously celebrates his life with those who knew him and loved him. "This is the day the Lord has made–let us rejoice and be glad in it."(Psalm 118:24)
Memorials may be made to Lurie's Children's Hospital and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital as well as St. Joseph's Indian School.
Funeral Tuesday, September 16th, 9:15 am from Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home, 5570 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn to Our Lady at St. Germaine Church for Mass at 10:00 am.
Interment following at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
Visitation Monday, September 15th from 3:00 pm until 8:00 pm.