Terrence Thomas Creamer

Terrence Thomas Creamer passed away peacefully on February 23, 2021 at his home in Batavia, IL surrounded by family.  He was born into this world at Cook County Hospital to Jeremiah and Margaret (nee Ambrose) Creamer.  

Terry and the rest of the Creamer family occupied a rental home at Independence Blvd. and Harrison on the West Side of Chicago.  This home was right next door to Engle's  tavern--one could only imagine how "modest" that house was.  Terry had fond memories of that home and growing up there gave him a deep appreciation for things in life that many people often take for granted. 

The Creamer family were members of Presentation Parish.  Terry attended Presentation grammar school.  School, however, was not Terry's thing--hard work was.  Terry as a young boy worked many different jobs, including as a helper on a Cozzi scrap metal truck and as a service station attendant at Jimmy McGrath's Standard Oil gas station located on Independence Blvd.  

In 1947 Terry joined the U.S. army and was stationed in Germany.  He remained in Germany until 1951 when he was honorably discharged.  Upon his return to Chicago, he drove a ready mix cement truck for Material Service Corp. at the cement yard located on California Ave. near where the Stevenson Expressway is today.  In 1954, Terry became a member of the Chicago Police Department.  Terry worked Loop traffic and in many surrounding police districts over the years.  He last worked at the 12th District (Monroe & Racine) where he had a walking beat near Madison & Halsted which was known then as Skid Row.  

In 1963, while working as a Chicago police officer, he opened a hot dog stand named J & M Beef at Cicero and Monroe.  Later in the early 1970's, he opened a second hot dog stand at Madison and Austin.  That business is still in operation today and is known as Terry's Place and is operated by his son Timothy.

Although he worked hard over the years to provide for his family, Terry was a loving husband, father and grandfather and a friend to many, many people—too many to count.. Terry leaves behind his wife Mary (nee Griffin), his children Terry (Carol), Catherine (Cassie) (Ken Russo deceased), Timothy and Jerry (Alane); grandchildren Quinn, Brendan, Mary Margaret, Liam and Kate; and brother Bill (Lynn) and sister Kathleen ("Sis").  

He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers Jeremiah, John and Daniel.  

All services will be held privately.

Arrangements by Moss Family Funeral Home 630-879-7900 or www.mossfuneral.com