Tom Wise

Tom Wise

Age 68 of Gardner, passed away Sunday evening February 8, 2015 at Manor Care in Hinsdale.

Born August 8, 1946 in Streator, Tom was a son of the late Glenn and Rosalie (Crandall) Wise. He was raised in Gardner and graduated from Gardner South Wilmington High School with the Class of 1965. Tom has been affiliated with the Ford Dealership in Gardner his entire life, owning and operating Tom Wise Ford until 1988. He retired from Rub Ford in 2012. Tom was a member of the Gardner Fire Department, served as a former trustee with the Church of Hope and was active with the Gardner Beautification Committee and the Route 66 Corridor Committee. Tom served as a Gardner Commissioner for several years and was currently the Mayor of the Village of Gardner, since being elected in 1999. He enjoyed antique Ford cars and trucks and was a great Chicago Cubs fan.

Survivors include three children: Lori (Brad) Patten and Scott (Melanie) Wise, both of Gardner and Tony (Kristen) Wise of Herscher; grandchildren: Austin, Madelyn, Michael, Cole, Nathan and Noah, with another expected; one sister Carol McElroy of Lakeland, Florida; his father-in-law Bill Hollmeyer of Dwight; brother-in-law John (Renee) Hollmeyer of Gardner and sister-in-law Ruth (Frank) Lardi of South Wilmington, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; wife Mary Jane (nee Hollmeyer) on December 17, 1987; grandson DJ, and mother-in-law Theresa Hollmeyer.

The family will receive friends on Thursday February 12, 2015 between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Reeves Funeral Home, 203 Liberty Street in Gardner. Funeral services will follow Friday morning February 13th at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home with Reverend Jan Chandler from Church of Hope officiating. Burial will be in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery, where Tom will be laid to rest with his late wife Mary Jane.

Pallbearers will be: Dean Christensen, Jim Bozue, Ray Rub, Mike Serena, Dean Rankovich and John Corneglio.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Tom's memory to his family for distribution to various local charities of their choosing.

Friends may sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Gardner. (815-237-2526)