Thomas B. Tekker, Sr., 71, of Mishawaka, passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 8:45 pm, in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Tom was born on March 26, 1938 in Mishawaka to the late George and Dorothy (Farrell) Tekker. He was a lifelong resident of Mishawaka. He graduated Mishawaka High School in June of 1956. Tom then enlisted in the United States Air Force and served proudly from July 16, 1956 through July 15, 1960.
On March 3, 1962 in Mishawaka, he married Judith A. Peterson. From their marriage, two children were born. Then on May 26, 1973, Tom married Wanda Dial in Mishawaka, who survives with their children, Drinda A. (Bill) Bokhart, Thomas B. Tekker, Jr., Sherrill D. (Marc) Merrill, Michael B. (Geni) Dial, Jeffrey T. (Lisa) Dial, and Beverly R. Kitts, all of Mishawaka. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Kassandra Kerrn, Brandon Thomas Bokhart, Alyshia Bokhart, Caleb Tekker, Tara Peterson-Yates, Jason Yates, Jeffrey Dial, Kristin Echols, Angela Dial, Nikkia Moore, Kenny Moore, Bradley Kitts, and 18 great grandchildren. Other survivors include Tom''s brother, Larry (Kay) Tekker of Loudon, TN, two very special nephews, Brett Tekker of North Carolina, Matthew Tekker of Alaska, and Jody Tirrota of Mishawaka, who was like a daughter to him.
In August of 1969, Tom was sworn into the St. Joseph County Police Department and attended the South Bend Police Academy. He was an officer for the county until 1973 when he became the Chief of Police for the town of Osceola. In 1976, Tom changed his career and began working in sales until 1996 when he chose to return to the St. Joseph County Police Department as a dispatcher, where he remained until his health forced an early retirement in October 2008.
Tom was a man with quality character traits such as honesty, integrity, and loyalty and he lived a life that set a fine example for his family to follow. He dearly loved his wife of 38 years, Wanda. He always credited his life''s success to her guidance, love, and support. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather and will be missed dearly. He will be forever remembered by family and friends for his great sense of humor and his undying loyalty to the Bears, Cubs, and the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 pm. Thursday, October 29, 2009 in Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, October 30, 2009 in the funeral home, with burial to follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Deacon Josh Goepfrich will officiate.
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