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!