Date of Birth
October 22, 1957
Date of Death
October 23, 2023
Thomas C. Flanders, age 66, of Kaneville, passed away unexpectedly, Monday, October 23, 2023. A farmer from birth, Tom now plants seeds in God’s divine fields.
He was born October 22, 1957, to loving parents, Russell and Joan Flanders.
Tom grew up at his father’s side, learning to read the land as much as the weather. The family farm lands were his playground and later his office while sitting atop his tractor, king of all he surveyed.
He graduated from Kaneland High School with the class of 1975, but not before he made his presence known on the football team. Tom kept up his grid iron ways at Joliet Junior College where he received an associate degree in agriculture in 1977.
Tom met his future wife in and around the halls of Kaneland. The flirtation that began in earnest between himself and Carol Turk, led to a love that would last 43 years. They walked down the aisle on August 9, 1980 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in DeKalb. They began their new life together in the same house on Swan Rd. that would welcome a growing family and the next generation of farmers.
Tom served on the Kaneville Fire Department for many years as well as the Kane County Farm Bureau. He also celebrated 50 faithful years as a member of the Kaneville United Methodist Church.
In case you thought Tom wasn’t a farmer at heart (and from birth), he saved enough money to buy his own plow so he never needed to ask his dad to use his. He had a kind heart, was a devoted father who rarely missed a game or activity, cheering on his children to victory. No matter your station or walk of life, Tom had a way of making friends with everyone he met. He was a wonderfully loyal brother who was always there for his sisters. Tom’s love for Carol was deep and abiding, truly two souls joined as one. His home was the place to be when something needed to be celebrated or a good time needed to be had. Everyone who came through the doors felt welcome and reveled in the hospitality that freely flowed. When he got a chance to leave the fields, Tom and his family enjoyed camping trips and later made the best memories in California, Hawaii, and Europe. Tom was an amazing man who touched the lives of so many in his community and will long be remembered as the man who was friend to all.
He leaves his loving wife Carol Flanders; four children: Nate Flanders, Ben (Rachel) Flanders, Russell Flanders and Zachary Flanders; two grandchildren: Emma and Chloe Flanders; four siblings: Russetta Rauch, Ruth Ann (John) Michelsen, Janet (Dennis) Smith and Rev. Jean (Stewart) Holmes; a myriad of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and a family of friends stretched across the countryside.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Joan Flanders.
Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Monday, October 30, 2023, at Kaneville United Methodist Church, 46W764 Main Street Rd, Kaneville, IL 60119. A funeral service to celebrate his life and faith will begin at 10:30 a.m., also at the church, Tuesday, October 31, 2023, with interment to follow at Kaneville Twp. Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Tom’s name to benefit the replacement of the church steeple. Checks may be made to the “Thomas C. Flanders Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Memories and tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.
Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., Monday, October 30, 2023, at Kaneville United Methodist Church, 46W764 Main Street Rd, Kaneville, IL 60119. A funeral service to celebrate his life and faith will begin at 10:30 a.m., also at the church, Tuesday, October 31, 2023, with interment to follow at Kaneville Twp. Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Tom’s name to benefit the replacement of the church steeple. Checks may be made to the “Thomas C. Flanders Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Memories and tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.
My Dear Friend since he was 4 and I was 5. This is so deeply shocking and devastatingly sad. So much so that I have so few words…The impact upon all of us is profound.
Such a gentleman. Tom was so many things to so many people. I have lots of fond memories from high school with Tom and I’m very sorry but he was taking too soon. May God give his family strength in the coming days and weeks and remind them of how much Tom loved them. Rest in peace Tom.
Carol and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers to all.
Sitting here with eyes full of tears and a very heavy heart. Carol, you and your children and grandchildren are in my prayers. May your faith carry you forward and bring you comfort. Tom was authentic, always kind and one of the most non-judgmental people I’ve ever known. The epitome of a Godly man. Our loss is heaven’s gain!
So sorry Carol and family for this great loss. I remember Tom as a kind and helpful eighteen year old who disked up the yard of our new home in Kaneville so we could plant grass seed. I know Larry thought highly of both Tom and Carol.
The Love and Loyalty of life-long Friends and Farmers with greatest of hearts resulted in the completion of the harvest where Tom was working when he was stricken last Monday. Such blessed dedication demonstrates the great caring and commitment that Tom inspired in others across a lifetime. Gentlemen, you touch all of our hearts. Thank you so deeply.
Carol and family, we are deeply saddened for your loss. Tom was a great man and the both of you made an adorable couple. May your love for Christ give you comfort and strength.
Sending love and prayers
Teri, Joscelyn & Chanel Suggett
When I think of Tom, I think of family, faith, friends, and farming. He was dedicated to all of them. Tom and Carol have been friends for a long, long time. This loss leaves a void. Tom was a wonderful guy.
Dear Carol and Family,
I am so sincerely sorry for your loss. Tom was such a good friend to me over the years, great memories of wrestling tournaments together and TV17 broadcasts at Kaneland football games. I always admired the way he loved his family and the way he lives his life. Heartfelt prayers for you all, my heart is with you.
Tom Flanders was, IS, and shall forever be, a Man of Christ. Serving his Godly parents, and his Dear Sisters, whom I was since childhood privileged to know, he was blessed with a Godly wife whom I have known since high school. Together, they honored their faith through a way of life and a dedication to God’s principles. Across decades, truly without fail. I know this personally. In this world, hard to believe, but I know it is true. This loss of this gentleman will not lessen in its level of pain for those many of us who were close to Tom. It will only solidify as time passes. As it should. Shock shall diminish to acceptance, but regret and personal anguish will never retreat. This week genuinely has been horrific to many of our close friends, for the void to be filled can only be mitigated through the intercession of Jesus Christ. And He fills it with the certainty that Tom is with Him and we shall see him again. Tom, you did your job. You made the most profound difference across your years. You honored your parents and your wife, loved your children, your siblings and your friends, built a family, provided for them, and served your Lord and your community with great honor. Praise Lord Jesus Christ for the gift to us in knowing and loving you.
How very beloved Tom is can be seen by the deep sadness and shock of his friends and family. What a beautiful dedication to field and family. A love like he has with Carol, the dream most everyone has. God bless you all 🌹
When I think of Tom the first image that comes to me is that of a kind man with smiling eyes, and happy memories in his home with Carol and the boys…of laughing, cards and cooking.
Be forever blessed for your genuine heart and kindness.
My heart and prayers are with you all in Kaneville today.