Thomas Frederick Honerkamp was born on October 21, 1949, in Granite City, IL to George and Estelle, nee Smith, Honerkamp. He passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at the age of 74.
When Tom was 19, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam War. Upon his return, he attended SIU Edwardsville where he met his wife, Diane Huelsmann. They married on August 18, 1973, in Breese, IL. The two resided in Belleville, IL for many years where they raised their two children, Nicole (Chris) Long, now of Olathe, KS, and Matthew (Abby) Honerkamp, now of Berkeley, CA.
Tom worked as a special education teacher and administrator at Red Bud Elementary School for 33 years. He helped coach his son’s baseball team, loved a good home project and spent many hours taking care of his lawn and landscaping. He enthusiastically planned many family trips to Disney World, the beach and beyond.
After surviving cardiac arrest in 2006, he happily retired and embraced a relaxed life for many years. Family was Tom’s focus, and he was always invigorated by his three grandchildren, Ethan and Emma Long, and Remy Honerkamp. He had a special bond with his niece, Michelle. While retired, Tom found a passion for researching his ancestry. He took many trips throughout the region to learn more, and he enjoyed sharing old family stories with his brother, Gary.
He delighted in ordering the extra dessert, taking a short drive to explore, buying the loud and unnecessary toy, and letting the grandkids stay up just a little later. More recently, he and Diane moved to be near their family in Olathe, KS, where they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2023. Tom always found a way to use his rich sense of humor to make personal connections with those around him. He will be greatly missed!
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Estelle Honerkamp; half-sister, Rose Marie Pryor; sister-in-law, Sharon Honerkamp; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wilbert and Agnes Huelsmann.
In addition to his immediate family, Tom was survived by brother, Gary Honerkamp of St. Louis; niece, Michelle Honerkamp of St. Louis; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dennis (Phyllis) Huelsmann of Breese, IL, Janet (Paul III) Greenwood of Waterloo, IL, Joan Adams of Belleville, IL, Allen Huelsmann (Nancy Courtaway), Mark (Lisa) Huelsmann, and Mary Kay (Jim) Wiegmann, all of Breese, and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or Althoff Catholic High School. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9 to 12 p.m. Saturday, November 23, 2024, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Memorial services will be held at noon Saturday, November 23, 2024, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. Jack McEvilly officiating.
Per Tom’s wishes, he participated in the Willed Body Program at the University of Kansas.
