DIVERNON - Thomas G. Derhake, 59 of Divernon died Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at St. John's Hospital.
He was born on July 13, 1950 in Quincy, the son of Edmund and Catherine Oldham Derhake and they preceded him in death.
Tom married Mary Lou Bolash on January 16, 1971 in Divernon.
He served in the Army National Guard from May 1971 until May 1977. He was employed by the State of Illinois in the Departments of Public Aid, Revenue and Central Management Services from 1972 until his retirement in 2002. He worked as an IT Specialist and was instrumental in the implementation of the Automated Intake System while employed by the Department of Public Aid.
Tom loved life, learning and traveling. He had a passion for computer technology and freely provided his expertise and assistance to friends, family and acquaintances.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; two sons, Jason (wife, Angela) Derhake of Divernon, Jarrod "Jack" Derhake of Englewood, CO; three grandchildren, Catherine, Joseph and William Derhake all of Divernon; two sisters, Mary Ann Zak of Springfield and Peggy (husband, Jeff) Kapp of Collinsville; two brothers, Patrick (wife, Nancy) Derhake and Martin Derhake both of Springfield; several nieces, nephews, and cousins as well as extended family and friends.
Cremation Rites were accorded.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, December 18, 2009 at Bramley
Funeral Home, Divernon. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 19,
2009 at St. Benedicts Church, Holy Cross Parish, Auburn with Rev. Kevin Laughery officiating. Burial in Brush Creek Cemetery, Divernon.
Memorials may be made to Divernon Township Library, Holy Cross Parish in Auburn, or The American Cancer Society.
Bramley Funeral Home, Divernon is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bryon Muench
May 16, 2011
Tom, Not to many days go by, that I dont think of you, when issues arise at work, I stop and think how would Tom handle this. You were the best boss I ever had.
Pat Hembd
May 28, 2010
I ran into Ed Read at the service station and he told me the sad news.
I missed reading about this in the paper. Tom was a wonderful friend and co-worker. My life would not have been the same without him in it.
Ralph Cordell
January 15, 2010
The world is little duller and a tad darker without Tom although it is definitely better for his having been here. We went from being dumb kids to DOM (Dirty Old Men) together and I could not have asked for a better friend for the trip. I already miss the "Hey bro". Thank you Mary Lou for being such a wonderful wife to my buddy and friend to me.
1980
January 14, 2010
1979-80
January 14, 2010
Estes Park, CO
January 13, 2010
Anniversary in Florida 2007
January 13, 2010
"Ground Control to Major TOM"
January 13, 2010
In Sedona
January 13, 2010
Tom & Little Sister, Peggy 1967-68
January 13, 2010
Tom's 50th Birthday Bash at Bianco's
January 13, 2010
Father-in-Law Tom & Angie
January 13, 2010
Uncle Jim Mast & Tom 2009
January 13, 2010
Grandma Kate & Tommy 1954(?)
January 13, 2010
Just Grandpa & William 2004
January 13, 2010
Just Grandpa & Kitty
January 13, 2010
Just Married January 16, 1971
January 13, 2010
Newlyweds 1971
January 13, 2010
Tom and Mary Lou
January 13, 2010
Just Grandpa & Kitty
January 13, 2010
Just Grandpa meet Joseph for the first time
January 13, 2010
4 Generation - Easter 2003
January 13, 2010
Tom & Jason 1971
January 13, 2010
Tom, Jason & Jack 1977
January 13, 2010
Tom & Ed Derhake
January 13, 2010
Dillon's Pizza Softball Team
January 13, 2010
The Derhake Clan 1981-82
January 13, 2010
Derhake & Coan Families 1965(?) in Chicago
January 13, 2010
Ed & Cathy Derhake, Tom & Mary Ann 1952-53
January 13, 2010
Age 2 or 3
January 13, 2010
Army National Guard 1971
January 13, 2010
Just Grandpa, Just Grandma & Kitty at Disneyworld 2004
January 13, 2010
Jack and Tom
January 13, 2010
4 Generations: Ed, Tom, Jason, Joseph & William Derhake
January 13, 2010
1 Year Old
January 13, 2010
On the Waterfront
January 13, 2010
Black Hair
January 13, 2010
Silver Hair
January 13, 2010
Just Grandpa & William 2005
January 13, 2010
Chatting w/Paula Kennett - Florida 2009
January 13, 2010
"Jail Bird" in St. Augustine, FL 2009
January 13, 2010
Tom & Julia (Gray)
January 13, 2010
Captain Hook Dreamin'
January 13, 2010
On the Intercoastal Waterway at Daytona, FL
January 13, 2010
At Grant's Farm
January 13, 2010
Just Grandpa, Joseph & Catherine at Grant's Farm
January 13, 2010
Just Grandpa & William - Fall 2008
January 13, 2010
Disney World - Easter 2008
January 13, 2010
Just Grandpa with Joseph & Catherine 2008
January 13, 2010
Pirate Dinner - Florida - Easter 2008
January 13, 2010
Mary Lou Derhake
January 8, 2010
If God would have allowed it, you would have lived to be over 100! It wasn't meant to be. It's been said that it's not how long you live, but what you do in the time you are given that matters. You gave a lot. You gave a lot to many. You were a wonderful husband, father, brother and friend. You took care of us and provided for us and although you are not physically here, you live on in our hearts.
I love you & I miss you, Babe.
Lynn Koskey
January 5, 2010
Mary Lou:
I remember the day I first met Tom. He was such a cute guy and I knew someone just right for him. My boyfriend at the time had a friend (Tom) that he wanted me to fix him up with - and that was you (Mary Lou) - and the rest is history. Tom fought so hard to get better, but I guess God had other plans for him. I have a feeling that he's trying to teach my mom how to use a computer!
Its hard to believe that Tom is gone, but he will always be with us in our hearts and memories. My prayers are with you Mary Lou, and the rest of the family.
January 5, 2010
Tom Green
December 25, 2009
My deepest sympathy to Mary Lou and all the Derhake's. I remember taking the train to Springfield with Aunt Kate to visit the family for the weekend. The years may pass but fond memories never do. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
DiAnne Mizeur Schuerman
December 21, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your boys. I graduated from St. Joseph's Grade School with Tom. I will always remember him as a good-humored fun-loving person.
Ken Zuhlke
December 20, 2009
To restate some of what I shared yesterday:
With Tom and Mary Lou, all you had to do to be treated like family was to show up at their doorstep. If God ever created a kinder or gentler couple than Tom and Mary Lou, I wanna meet them.
Tom was the perfect friend and the ideal co-worker. I'm really gonna miss him... we're all gonna miss him. But we're all richer in spirit for having known him and worked with him and played with him.
God bless you buddy... and thanks for all those memories.
Sandy McConnell
December 19, 2009
Dear Mary Lou and boys. You Tom and the boys were my neighbors for many years, the neighborhood hasn't been the same since you left. Although I haven't keep in touch like I should have over the years, Tom will be greatly missed.Please feel free to come and visit and just talk about old times. Your old neighbor, Sandy
Carol Coles Fleck
December 18, 2009
So sorry to hear of Tom's passing.
Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Marie Bietsch(Ellis)
December 18, 2009
Mary Lou it has been many many years since I have seen you but I have always remembered you and Tom. I was so sorry to hear about him. I am glab you have a close family to help you through your grief
Field Mark
December 18, 2009
Tom (AKA 10 Base T) - A unique and funny person. I had lots of great times with 10 Base T over 29 years.
Computers, boats, beers at KC, anything tech - 10 Base was my tech mentor. You can't help but have fun with him, and he showed unbelievable strength and courage this past 2 1/2 years.
Now he's at rest and is greatly missed, but his legacy of being an easy-going, humorous techno-guru is timeless. Rock on 10 Base.
Deanne Haley
December 18, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
December 17, 2009
Pat, Aunt Nancy, Mark, Bree Ann,
My thoughts and prayers are always with the Derhake family.
Peace,
Joe & Vanessa
Tony Caruso
December 17, 2009
My sympathy to the family. Tom was always a gentleman.
Del Owens
December 17, 2009
Mary Lou,
You may not remember me,but I remember both you and Tom. He was one of the nicest, most knowledgable people I knew when I worked for Public Aid. May warm memories ease your grief.
December 17, 2009
Jason and Family -
We are so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Stop by for lunch soon.
Tom and Liz Ansell and Family
Amanda Helm
December 17, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Cinda Fabicheski
December 17, 2009
mary lou i just read online of tom's passing and i am so very sorry...i know you are going to miss him...prayers are coming your way..love, cinda (barlow) fabicheski
Brownie Sudduth
December 17, 2009
Sorry to hear of your loss Mary Lou. Are hearts go out to you and we will keep you in our prayers. Keep all of the memories of the good times in your heart and in your mind and Tom will watching over you and your family forever.
Brownie Sudduth
Ruskin, FL
Dave Reid
December 17, 2009
Perhaps we all have that one singular friend who turns out to be a source from which many new friendships spring. In my case, Tom was that friend. Many of those I count amongst my closest of friends today I met because of Tom. How does one thank another for that?
I will remember you, Tom. In the years to come as your friends convene your name will arise, and the stories will follow. As for me...my abiding memory of you will be from one of those many Ozark canoe trips. After maneuvering through a tricky area on the river, I looked back to see how my fellow campers would fare. There you were...the helmsman...standing arrow straight with your tee shirt draped over your head and shoulders to block out the sun...smiling that smile...defying the elements that lay ahead. It was a moment in time, so brief yet so enduring. Sail on my friend, sail on.
Dave Reid, Auburn, IL
Tina Gladden
December 17, 2009
Mary Lou & family: My deepest condolences are with you in your time of grief. The Brock family was fond of
Tom.
Bryon Muench
December 17, 2009
Tom was always good to me and helped me become a better person with his positive outlook on life. He was my supervisor at CMS and a dear friend. I always think of him when I am swimming in the pool that he had given me. I wish I could've seen him one more time. I will always remember the walk we took down the tracks and the things we talked about
Art & Jean Spiegel
December 17, 2009
Dear Mary Lou, Mary Ann, Peggy, Pat & Marty and your families: Please accept our heartfelt sympathy as you morn Tom's death. We shall never forget the good times we shared on North 7th Street with all you "kids" and especially you parents Ed and Kathy. We love you all !!!!!!
Jim Keating
December 17, 2009
Calm seas and following winds, cap,n
---doc17---
Dan Rathbone and family
December 17, 2009
Patrick and family, I am sorry for your loss, I hope your memories will bring some comfort to you in this time of sorrow. again, I am sorry.
Mindy Landers
December 17, 2009
Mary Ann and family, I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Derhake's death. I know you will truly miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
December 17, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
red beard
December 17, 2009
old son, i cannot begin to tell you how much i miss you already. but i understand one thing alone, there are men too gentle to live among wolves. i love you brother. vaya con dios
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