Thomas H. “Thom” Mercker, age 65, of Galena, IL, unexpectedly completed his earthly journey on June 30, 2023, at home.  No public service has been immediately planned by his family, but they intend to have one in Galena to honor his life at an appropriate time in the coming months.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Thom’s family.

Thom was born on August 2, 1957, in Lafayette, IN, the youngest of five boys to Henry J. and Mary C. (Witcher) Mercker.  Thom was naturally gifted with a decisive and divergent mind, a calmness under pressure, and a personal drive that he carried throughout his entire life.  Thankfully, these traits fit quite comfortably with his career of 31 years as an air traffic controller. He spent the majority of those years with his friends and coworkers at the Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center in Aurora, IL.  Thom thoroughly enjoyed his work and faithfully gave his best until his very last day on the job.  In his free-time, Thom could regularly be found enjoying a nice ride on his Harley when a sunny day arrived, or in recent years, generously sharing his “Jack of All Trades” time and talents with the folks at the Safe Haven Animal Shelter.  Thom also enjoyed spending time with his friends at the V.F.W, the Legion Hall, and the Elk’s Lodge when time allowed.  He found great joy in volunteering and never met a need that he wasn’t willing to address when someone asked.  The world is surely a lesser place today without Thom’s love and friendship walking among us, and thankfully, he leaves behind an abundance of wonderful memories for all who knew and loved him to reflect upon during the more difficult moments ahead.  Thank you, Thom, for being the kind of man those around you needed most and may the Lord bless and keep you until we all meet again.

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Thom include,

his two children,

Heather Mercker, Minneapolis, MN,

and Travis (Natalie) Mercker, Dayton, OH;

his two grandchildren,

T.J. and Grace Mercker, Dayton, OH:

his four brothers,

Larry (Kathleen) Mercker, Sarasota, FL,

Ed (Mary) Mercker, Boulder City, NV,

Bill (Bobbie) Mercker, Bourbonnais, IL,

and Jim (Paula) Mercker, Port Richie, FL;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Thom was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Thom’s name to the Safe Haven Humane Society, 1471 US 20 West, Elizabeth, IL, 61028.

Online condolences may be shared with Thom’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com.