Thomas L. Dockweiler

With profound sadness, we share the news that Tom Dockweiler's earthly journey has come to an end. Tom passed peacefully in his home surrounded by family on December 19, 2025.

Tom married the love of his life, Karen, in June 1969 and recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. They settled in Homewood, IL and raised three children: Amy (Jeff), Tom (Christy) and Dave (Sarah), all of whom have taken his faith, love and many lessons into their hearts and the world. The family tree branches have grown tall with seven grandkids, who are the light of Tom and Karen's life - Peyton, Erin, Cooper, Grace, and The Littles: Noah, Finley, and Libby. Tom loved attending as many events as possible and hearing about their lives – school, sports, dance, choir, band, and friends. Tom never ended a phone call without asking what the grandkids were up to. The family tree is rooted deep through the faith and surety of God's presence developed in his childhood through the lessons of his parents Raymond M. and Marjorie (Hepner) Dockweiler.

Tom graduated from Thornton Fractional South High School, earned his Bachelor of Science in Business, double majoring in Management and Marketing from Eastern Illinois University, and his MBA with concentrations in Finance and Management from the University of Missouri. He completed additional graduate programs at the University of Oklahoma and Rutgers University.

He climbed ladders socially, professionally, and spiritually but never did so alone. Over the course of his lifelong banking career, he helped countless local business owners realize their dreams by finding creative ways to support entrepreneurs others had written off. He held senior leadership positions at multiple local and regional banks, proudly serving as the President of the Bank of Homewood and First National Bank of Blue Island, and Executive Vice President / Chief Loan Officer at Standard Bank.

Civically and community minded, he strived to make an impact in all of his pursuits. He made it possible for churches to thrive through his efforts as council president, treasurer, and devoted property manager. His influence remains visible across Homewood reflecting 21 years of dedicated service on District 153 School Board, 12 as Board President, where he tirelessly advocated on behalf of all students to "raise the bar". Notably, the annual Tom Dockweiler Award honors three District 153 students who have shown significant academic improvement throughout the year.  With an insatiable desire to improve the world around him, Tom served in various capacities for the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Blue Island Mainstreet, St. Francis Hospital Charity Board and Foundation, and Homewood and Blue Island Chambers of Commerce.

In his spare time, Tom enjoyed his involvement with Homewood baseball, spending many evenings and weekends umping behind home plate and encouraging young players. His interests also included a love of golf, travel, photography, and music. We'd be remiss not to mention his die-hard love of the Cubs – if you've ever left him a voicemail, you'd know what we mean! He watched nearly every game on tv and hand-scored each game he attended.

In good times and bad, Tom was fond of reminding all of us that he (and we) is in the Lord's hands and that he wouldn't want to be anywhere else. While he will be sorely missed, we are comforted knowing Tom will spend eternity where he has always wanted to be. A celebration of his life will take place at Faith Lutheran Church on Friday, January 2, 2026 with a visitation from 2:00 until time of service at 3:00 pm. A private interment at Oak Glen Cemetery in Lansing, IL will ensure he continues to be surrounded by his loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, remember Tom by planting some flowers in your own yard this Spring. Gardening was one of Tom's passions, dedicating many joy-filled hours to his personal flower garden and church yard. It would please him to no end knowing he's inspired others to dig in the dirt.

As a tribute to Tom, memorial contributions may be made to Tom's long-time church, Faith Lutheran Church in Homewood, IL. Additionally, Tom's treatment was heavily dependent on the selflessness of blood donors. Please consider donating blood or supporting the University of Chicago's leukemia research team at Giving UChicago Dr. Saygin .

Tom leaves behind a powerful 78-year legacy of faith, compassion, personality, civic duty, and unwavering devotion to his family and friends. He will be dearly missed and forever loved.