Racine – Thomas J. Tarkington, age 59, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully, at United Hospital System – Kenosha Campus on Tuesday, November 24, 2015.
Tom was born in Racine on January 12, 1956 to the late Jack E. and Jean A. (nee: Zinnen) Tarkington. He was a 1974 graduate of William Horlick High School where he wrestled and played football. Not only an athlete, Tom also marched with the Kilties Drum & Bugle Corps.
On January 6, 1979 in St. Edward Catholic Church, Tom was united in marriage with the love of his life, Therese “Terri” Lynn (nee: Tajnai). He was a facilities project manager for Discover Financial Services for over 28 years. Following, he joined the facilities team at Racine Unified School District.
Tom was a longtime member of St. Edward Catholic Church. For the past year, Tom and Terri have attended First Evangelical Free Church. They have been involved with a bible study group for over 7 years, where Tom accepted Jesus as his Savior. He was also proud to be a part of a loyal group of friends that have met for coffee, every Saturday, for the past 25 years. Tom was a sports enthusiast and especially enjoyed watching football and boxing. However, above everything, Tom’s family was his entire world. He was a loving husband, father and brother…..who spent every available opportunity with his family.
Surviving are his wife of nearly 37 years, Terri Tarkington; their sons, Matthew and Andrew Tarkington; sisters, Sheryl (Rick) Krohn and Deb Ryder; father-in-law, Steve Tajnai; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Stephen (Pat) Tajnai, Peggy (Tom) Pulda, Susan (Tom) Merkel, Joseph (Pam) Tajnai, Thomas (Cris) Tajnai, Michael (Jacqueline) Tajnai, and Robert (Mary Kay) Tajnai; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends – too numerous to mention all by name.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his grandparents, Aloys & Mabel Zinnen and Sedley “Tom” & Violet Tarkington; brother, Jack E. Tarkington, Jr.; and mother-in-law, Joyce Tajnai.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 11:00 am in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home with Pastor John Bodnar officiating. A memorial luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Monday from 4:00 – 7:00 pm and on Tuesday from 10:00 – 11:00 am.
A heartfelt note of thanks to the wonderful physicians, nurses and support staff at United Hospital System – Kenosha Campus (especially the critical care unit) for the compassionate care given in Tom’s time of need. May God bless all of you!
David Elton says
So sad to hear of your loss . I pray that God sends you comfort and healing in this time of your sorrow . I ask that he sooth your spirit in your suffering . My condolences .
Pete Michelle Tevin Ty & Kylie Kennedy says
Tom was a wonderful coworker and friend he will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family. May God be with you and watch over you always.
Cindy Voorhies says
Terri, I worked with Tom for many years at Discover and also enjoyed his company for a couple years in the van-pool. It was a pleasure and privilege to know him–he was forthright, a loyal friend, and kind. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mark Dunn says
Our thoughts and prayer are with the Tarkington family. May God comfort you as you grieve. Tom we will miss you and our chats about the Packers and Bears. From all of us at ABM.