Thomas "Tom" K. Van Heuklon

Thomas K. Van Heuklon, 82, of Macomb passed away at 3:05 a.m. Friday, February 20, 2026 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.

He was born on June 26, 1943 in Appleton, Wisconsin to Kenneth and Gerda Sawadske Van Heuklon. He married Rose Fisher on July 25, 2004. She survives.

Also surviving are his children, Andrew (Heidi) Van Heuklon of Edwards, Illinois, Jason (Rachael) Van Heuklon of Normal, Illinois and Lindi (Joel) Butler of Buda, Texas; step-children, Cynthia Ewalt and Stephen Hodgkins; grandchildren, Logan, Ava, Aidan, Katie and Cloe Van Heuklon and Lilian and Joshua Butler and step-grandchildren, Samantha Hodgkins, Wyatt Hodgkins and Mason Ewalt.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kris in infancy and sister Carla Helms.

Thomas lived in Macomb since 1969. He received his master’s degree from UCLA. He worked as a case worker for Bridgeway and taught Geography at Western Illinois, retiring in 2005.

He is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Macomb and sang in the church choir. He helped start the JFL football league and coached many YMCA teams. He made it a point to attend all his children’s and grandchildren’s games.

He helped restore steam engine 1003 in Hartford, Wisconsin. He also led stargazing parties at Argyle Park for many years.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers that memorials be made to the McDonough County YMCA at https://operations.daxko.com/online/5077/OnlineGiving/Donation.mvc?campaign_id=14374.

Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb is in charge of arrangements.

You may leave condolences and sign the guest  book online at clugston-tibbitts.com.

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