George Thom

George Thom

Age 96 of Joliet, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 7th, 2023 at Willow Falls in Crest Hill,IL. with his family by his side.

Born September 16th, 1926 in Coal City, George was the son of Robert and Nettie (Vaira) Thom. Raised and educated in Coal City, George graduated from Coal City High School in 1945 where he was the center for the Coalers basketball team. Following his graduation, George married his high school sweetheart Elvera Wendell in 1949 at Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City. George and Elvera moved to Joliet and together they made a home and raised their family. He worked as a tailor at Hyman’s Clothing store in Joliet and eventually became the proprietor in 1974 until his retirement in 1993. George was a devout Catholic and a longtime parishioner of St. Mary Magdalene Church where he sang in the choir for many years. He was always athletic and enjoyed bike riding and shuffleboard however, his main passion was his family and fishing. For over fifty years George and his family would spend their summers at Balsam Lake in Wisconsin. It was on Balsam Lake that George introduced his children and grandchildren to fishing and various water sports. George and Elvera spent their winters in Sebring, Florida where they made many dear friends. George will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his children: Carol (Victor) Fonseca, Robert (Susan) Thom, Barbara (Steven) Mauer and Kathleen (John) Barrowman: grandchildren: Aaron Jones, Kevin (Ericka) Jones, Sarah (Naim) Dzambazi, Shelley (Larry) Bigger, Kelley (Jason) Pain, Bryan (Ashley) Mauer, Matthew Mauer, Scott (Holly) Mauer, Jennifer (Scott) McCure, Nikki (Brett) Harkabus, Jeff (Yessenia) Barrowman. George was blessed with twenty-one great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his wife Elvera; parents Robert and Nettie, sister and brother in-law: Geraldine and Melvin Bunton.

Per George’s wishes cremation rights have been accorded. The family will receive relatives and friends for a memorial visitation on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, 127 S. Briggs Street in Joliet. Interment will follow and George will be laid to rest with his wife at Braceville-Gardner Cemetery.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the staff at Willow Falls and Lightways Hospice for their kind and professional care of George. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made as gifts in George’s memory to Lightways Hospice Care.