Obituaries

Thomas Edward Mattingly

A loving, passionate, and courageous man, passed away peacefully on October 5, 2023, in Chelsea, Michigan. Born on August 12, 1937, in Appleton, Wisconsin, to the late Edgar and Gertrude (Birkenmeyer) Mattingly, Thomas was a beacon of joy and strength to all who knew him.

Thomas, also known as Tom, was a dedicated family man. He is survived by his children: Susan (Joel) Krichbaum of Chelsea, MI, Jillann Mattingly of Milan, MI Thomas (Kelly) of Woodstock, IL Melissa (Scott) Voorhees of Crystal Lake, IL and Matthew (Amy) Mattingly of Crystal Lake, IL. He was a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren and a great-grandfather to one. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers: Gene Zink, Paul Mattingly, and his best friend and life partner, Matilda Hudson.

Thomas was a dedicated member of the Woodstock community, where he worked in the local school district for over 35 years. His commitment to the school and its students was evident in his work, and he eventually retired as the head custodian. He was a pillar of the community, and his presence will be greatly missed.

In addition to his career in education, Thomas was a man of faith. He was a parishioner at Christ the King Church, where he began his spiritual journey as an altar boy. His faith was a guiding light in his life and provided comfort and strength in his final days.

Thomas also served his country with pride, courage, and dedication. As a young man, he joined the US Army 82nd Airborne as a paratrooper, demonstrating his bravery and commitment to his country. His time in the military instilled in him a resilience and tenacity that he carried throughout his life. He also served as a Deputy Sherriff for Cook County.

In his personal life, Thomas had a love for the outdoors and was often seen riding his bicycle around town. He was also an avid reader and frequented the local library, where he could often be found engrossed in a book. His love for knowledge and adventure was infectious and inspired those around him.

In addition to his many accomplishments, Thomas will be remembered for his loving nature, his passion for life, and his courageous spirit. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Thomas Edward Mattingly was a man who left an indelible mark on his community and the lives of those he loved. His legacy will live on through his family, his service to his country, and his dedication to his community. While he will be dearly missed, his memory will continue to inspire and uplift all who knew him.

Services will be held from 9 – 10 am with funeral mass at 10 am on Friday, October 13, 2023, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5006 E Wonder Lake Rd, Wonder Lake, IL 60097 with burial to follow at Ringwood Cemetery. God Bless!

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