THOMAS FLANDERS

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.