Thomas B. Tekker Sr.

March 26, 1938 - Oct. 24, 2009
MISHAWAKA - Thomas B. Tekker Sr., 71, of Mishawaka, passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2009, at 8:45 p.m. in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend, surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren. Tom was born on March 26, 1938, in Mishawaka, to the late George and Dorothy (Farrell) Tekker. He was a lifelong resident of Mishawaka. He graduated Mishawaka High School in June 1956. Tom then enlisted in the United States Air Force and served proudly from July 16, 1956, through July 15, 1960. On March 3, 1962, in Mishawaka, he married Judith A. Peterson. From their marriage two children were born. Then on May 26, 1973, Tom married Wanda Dial in Mishawaka, who survives with their children, Drinda A. (Bill) Bokhart, Thomas B. Tekker Jr., Sherrill D. (Marc) Merrill, Michael B. (Geni) Dial, Jeffrey T. (Lisa) Dial and Beverly R. Kitts, all of Mishawaka. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kassandra Kerrn, Brandon Thomas Bokhart, Alyshia Bokhart, Caleb Tekker, Tara Peterson-Yates, Jason Yates, Jeffrey Dial, Kristin Echols, Angela Dial, Nikkia Moore, Kenny Moore and Bradley Kitts; and 18 great-grandchildren. Other survivors include Tom's brother, Larry (Kay) Tekker of Loudon, TN; two very special nephews, Brett Tekker of North Carolina and Matthew Tekker of Alaska; and Jody Tirrota of Mishawaka, who was like a daughter to him. In August 1969 Tom was sworn into the St. Joseph County Police Department and attended the South Bend Police Academy. He was an officer for the county until 1973 when he became the Chief of Police for the town of Osceola. In 1976 Tom changed his career and began working in sales until 1996 when he chose to return to the St. Joseph County Police Department as a dispatcher, where he remained until his health forced an early retirement in October 2008. Tom was a man with quality character traits such as honesty, integrity and loyalty, and he lived a life that set a fine example for his family to follow. He dearly loved his wife of 38 years, Wanda. He always credited his life's success to her guidance, love and support. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be missed dearly. He will be forever remembered by family and friends for his great sense of humor and his undying loyalty to the Bears, Cubs, and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 29, 2009, in Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 30, in the funeral home, with burial to follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Deacon Josh Goepfrich will officiate. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.chapelhillmemorial.com.