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FUNERAL HOME

Gent Funeral Home Inc

2409 State Street

Alton, Illinois

Thomas Dehner Obituary

TOM DEHNER

ALTON — Thomas John Dehner, 68, died at 5 p.m. Friday, April 28, 2017, at his home in Alton.

Born November 19, 1948, in Bronx, New York, he was the son of Clyde T. and Marilyn Ann (Barth) Dehner. Mr. Dehner was a retired communication professional.

On August 7, 1982 he married the former Patricia O'Leary in Alton. She survives.

Also surviving is a daughter, Abigail "Abby" Dehner of Alton, a son, Johnathan Dehner of Alton and a sister, Diane (Lief) Anderson of Alton. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant brother, John Carl Dehner.

Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, May 1, 2017, at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alton with Fr. John Luong officiating. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Alton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Telegraph from Apr. 29 to Apr. 30, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Dehner

24 Entries

Janet Orcutt

April 23, 2019

Tom was one of the most respected people I grew up and went to school with. He brought smiles to everyone on a daily basis. Losing him was deeply heartfelt and when I think of him it doesn't go away. I am so glad to have known him in the years of our growing up. If you read my previous notation I am sure you may be able to figure out my password in several locations.j

Susan Nickel Gibbs

May 2, 2017

Diane and Family,

So sorry to read about Tom's untimely passing. Lots of great neighborhood (Kohler, Maurice and Alby St.) memories on the vacant lot in back of our house and next to Nicholson's - everything from kickball, softball, football to kick the can and, of course, trips to the ice cream store. My heartfelt sympathy to you and the family. Susan Nickel Gibbs Springfield, IL

Mary Wiseman

May 1, 2017

Pat, Just read about your loss on Facebook; so sorry! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!

Terry Schwartz

May 1, 2017

Tom, too many wonderful memories, not enough time to reminisce and tell you how much you meant to me during my lifetime. Blessings to the family as his time on earth was too short.

Mike & Sandy Palen

May 1, 2017

I loved having breakfast with Tom and will miss conversations which were always entertaining, to say the least. I still like perusing the pages of his book. Pat, Abby and Johnathan you are in Sandy and my prayers.

Molly McNamara Dean

May 1, 2017

In 1997, I showed up as a college sophomore at WSIE, ready to be a news broadcaster. Tom instantly became my mentor, showing me how to write, how to speak, and how to report as a radio journalist. My years at the station with Tom and my other classmates were the best of my college career. I loved Tom's gruff ways and the way he would roll his eyes and sigh at the things I said and did. I remember one particular morning that I had to work the news shift - my car ran out of gas on the way to campus. This was before I had a cell phone, so I had no way of phoning anyone for help. So instead of skipping my shift or risk running late by walking, I hitchhiked to campus. Boy, did I get a lecture from Tom for that one! Tom was one in a million - although I haven't been good about keeping in touch, I'm deeply saddened by his passing. His wife and children will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Callie and Mark Breden

May 1, 2017

Tom was a great Chautauqua neighbor. He was kind and always helpful. His legacy will be the terrific kids that he and Pat have raised. They follow in his footsteps of kindness and helpfulness. We know it has been a tough struggle. May your memories comfort you and keep Tom alive on your heart. Love and prayers to you
--Love, Callie and Mark Breden

Linda Meisel

May 1, 2017

Pat, Johnathan and Abby,
I was so sad to learn of your Tom's passing. Please know you are in my heart and I send loving condolences to all of you.
Linda Meisel

Rev. Robin Roberts

May 1, 2017

Tom Dehner was a "one in million" man! His wonderful sense of humor coupled with his self depreciating demeanor, made Tom loved by all that were privileged to really know him! His abilities to "weave a tale" were legendary! Growing up in North Alton, Tom played baseball at Northside Park. Tom was an excellent baseball player! My parents would play Pinocle with Tom's parents on occasion! As second cousins, we became well acquainted with Tom & Diane! I recall when I heard Tom reporting the "news" on KMOX radio for first time, my heart was filled with pride for my cousin! Tom had made it to the big league! With Tom's love of broadcasting and baseball, I always felt he have should succeed Harry Carey! Tom life and service to others leave a wonderful heritage for his descendants to emulate! Our love and prayers to all Tom Dehner family!

Frank Absher

May 1, 2017

Tom was, in my mind, one of the unsung heroes of KMOX in the early '80s. His writing and journalism skills were second to none and he became the man who put the words in the mouths of Bob Hardy and Rex Davis every morning for the station's highest-rated daypart.
As much as he complained about the medium, (and he could really get lathered up about it) he loved it, and I had the utmost respect for him.

Eric Bueneman

May 1, 2017

Tom was committed to journalism, and he always assigned the best student readers to do the news on my morning show. I also remember listening to him reading the news on KMOX. He was the consummate broadcast journalist.

-E.B. Stevenson

bob hawkins

May 1, 2017

Tom was a great man who shared his love and passion for broadcasting with thousands of people through the years. As a student, I was blessed to sit and learn from him in college, He is part of that eternal fraternity of broadcast professionals that will live on forever more. God Bless You & Thank You Tom Dehner.

May 1, 2017

Tom inspired me as a person and as a broadcast professional. He was a great man and a wonderful storyteller who shared his love and passion for the profession he so dearly loved. I was blessed to know him.
Bob Hawkins

Norma Baron

May 1, 2017

Condolences to the friends and family of Grade school friend Thomas Dehner, You were right ... "Nice Guys finish first' ... You were one of the "Stand Up Guys" RIP Tom you will be missed.

Tracy Ross

April 30, 2017

COLLEGE. That is what comes to mind when I think of Tom. Being in the radio station with my most professional pajamas and Tom wondering what the world was coming to and when was I going to buy real clothes. You taught me a lot on my path to become an adult. I'll never forget WSIE it guided me into the person I am today. Thank you for that.

Janet Cherry Orcutt

April 30, 2017

Whenever I think of Tom, I have to smile as I think of the nickname he gave me in jr. high. My grandmother would make my lunch and every day the teacher who was our lunchroom monitor would stop by and get a pickle. Well I don't need to say anymore. He named me Pickles. When I told my husband the story and they met at one of the reunions I don't know who laughed the hardest. I still smile when I think of it. And am sure I always will. Jay even
bought me a pickle pin to wear to school. Thoughts and prayers for your family, as he was a wonderful person.

April 30, 2017

Patricia, Abby, and Johnathan I am sad and if course, very sorry to hear of Tom's passing.
Though he and I only had one attempt at winning an annual Egg Toss Competition we failed miserably ... "out in the first round!" However, our recollection of that fateful day served as a basis for sharing many laughs together over the years.
Tom Hagemann

April 30, 2017

Tom will always be remembered as a fun-loving kidder who got me every time! He was a wonderful friend and loved by everyone! I am so sorry for your loss! Jeanne Kennedy Harper

Jerry Irvine

April 30, 2017

I remember the days Tom and I spent working together at WRTH. He will be missed by his family and by many of his old radio friends.

Linda Osborne Nichols

April 30, 2017

So sorry for you and your families loss.

April 30, 2017

Every so often we meet someone and know them only briefly yet they remain in our mind decades later. So it was for me with Tom. Our paths crossed as upcoming professionals in the late 60s and when I heard of his passing, I immediately recalled those times.
Rest well, Tom.

Tim and Carla Golden

April 29, 2017

We are so blessed to have been Toms friends and enjoyed all the times we spent together. Prayers for all of you.

Theresa (Sam) Rister

April 29, 2017

Tom was a good man , he will be missed by his family and friends.

Wayne Mills

April 29, 2017

Tom was a great person...he was an accomplished professional, an excellent family man who had great stories and a wonderful sense of humor. I will always treasure our friendship. I'm a better person for having known Tom. R.I.P. my friend.

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