Thomas Howard Bechtold, age 79, of Union, IL, passed from Earth to Eternal Glory on May 16, 2024, after a long battle with cancer. He was born April 30, 1945 in Elgin, IL to his loving parents, Emerich and Arlene (née Seagrist) Bechtold.

Tom graduated from Elgin High School, Class of 1963. He attended The California Institute of Technology and DeVry Institute of Technology, and had a career with various companies, including Dukane, Motorola, Northrop, and Dunlee. He served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968, serving in Vietnam in 1967.

Tom loved his extensive model train collection, tinkering with electronics, biking, reading, and loving his dog. He would always help others with problems – especially with things that needed to be repaired. He studied and enjoyed astronomy, and even built his own telescopes.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Shirley (Don) Stanley. He is survived by his sisters, Mary Ann Kendrick and Judy (Rick) Lamz; nieces, Laura Ryndak and Donna Persino; and many cousins.

The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Desai and everyone at the Illinois Cancer Specialists for their caring compassion, and to the Avondale Estates nursing home for their help and care.

 

“Let’s go home” were the last words I heard you say before I left the night before you passed. You are home now, Tom – rest in peace, Brother. Till we meet again.

 

Visitation will be 12:00pm until funeral service at 1:00pm, Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120. Michael Murschel will be officiating.

Interment with military honors to follow at Lakewood Memorial Park, 30W730 U.S. Hwy. 20, Elgin, IL 60120.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Tom’s name to the American Cancer Society.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.