Thomas Holmberg Obituary

I’m at TOM at a weekly lunch when I first joined the program that was at Erie Street Chophouse. I knew his son a little bit in high school but TOM didn’t treat me like his son’s friend. He treated me like I was his friend. He asked me to sit by him on that first day and I ended up sitting next to him every week. I remember his story about how embarrassed he felt when he won the lottery for a second time. He knew I was a radio guy and he told me he had a great connection in radio and the guy was starting a new station. I said that is the guy I’m looking for, but let me pursue it on my own. TOM said I’ll give you a month. After a month, he asked me if I had met with him yet and I said no. I had worked for him before, but I just haven’t been able to connect. TOM made one phone call and then Jimmy. diCastro called me and we met for a hot chocolate. He told me if this new sports radio station started. It would be very good for me. He started on WGN FM and it was very good for me. I couldn’t believe how TOM looked out for me like we were lifelong friends.

He was a hell of a guy. If I don’t mess it up I am a month and a half away from hitting 14 years. TOM help me get there.

It’s awful. He’s not around anymore. However, it’s great. I got to know him. I asked for the day of his funeral off, and the Castro and I sat next to each other and said the serenity prayer at the end of the service.

Tom will always have a place in my heart. Once again, I offer my simple condolences..

T-Tremendous
O -One-of-a-kind-man
M - Man

Love,

Harry

We were part of a group lunch on Tuesdays at the Kinzie Street Chop house and the third time I walked into the restaurant Tom was appropriately sitting at the head of the table and he said, "Sit here!" I did we grew to be friends and motivators for each other. One of the most wonderful qualities about the man is he didn't care about wherever someone was from, their race, their social status, I saw the way he had time for everyone. I'm lucky to spend what little time I got to spend with him.

My life is richer for having known Tom.

It is with a sad heart I write this note. Tom had provided such influence on me in the early days of my career. His class, dignity and humor will be missed by many of us who enjoyed working with him over many years.
I look forward to our next game of Spoof!

Tom was a friend, a mentor, a humorist, and above all, a great person. His infernally positive outlook, kind words, and willingness to listen were incomparable. He will be missed by more people than can be imagined.

God bless.

John Roskopf

Tom Holmberg...from St Luke, Fenwick, through his generous, colorful and compassionate life...he gave of himself unselfishly to his family,friends and business associates...we knew him as a Good man!
It was important to be together at the Luker's reunion last October.
God blesses Tom,Inez,Tommie,Mike,Judy and Pete.
Suzanne and Dick Beeman

Our condolences to Tom's dear family. Tom was surely one of a kind and such a great guy. It was a true privilege to work with him and to have his friendship. May God comfort you and give you His peace which passes all understanding.

Our corner of the world will be a little less lovely without the friendly greetings, generous smile and warm personality of Mr Holmberg.

I offer my condolences to the Holmberg family. It was my privilege and pleasure to be Tom's neighbor while I grew up on Hawthorn Lane in Winnetka. Back then, Tom was very busy with his family and work, but always took a moment to visit with me. Sometimes I would pass by Tom's house with a tennis racquet in my hand, and Tom would ask me how my game went; other times I would see Tom and I would let him know about a problem that was on my mind. He would always listen attentively and with sympathy. More times than not, he came up with a solution or different way to view my youthful concern. Having been the recipient of Tom's kindness and goodness while I was growing up, I have warm memories of him. Tom's kindness and goodness made me feel he was an uncle to me and not just a neighbor, and I will always remember him with gratitude.

Tom Holmberg was one of the most influential people in my life, most especially in my early years in AA. He amply demonstrated to me that his heart was as big as the entire world. His deft, quiet, and heart-felt council was of tremendous on-going help to me. He warm-heartedly reached out to me when things seemed to be the toughest in my life. He devoted weeks to taking me downtown with him to his Aon office, out to lunch with him, to meetings downtown -- all the while treating me like a best friend of his from River Forest. where we both had grown up. (We had only first met here on the North Shore early in my AA career, over 21 years ago.)

I found it thrilling to walk around the Loop with him as he greeted people as though they were long lost friends that – each one of them -- he was pleased to encounter. His gregarious enthusiasm was positively infectious and in my opinion, totally delightful. He was a master at guiding you to reaching your own, entirely appropriate conclusions. During my weeks downtown with him at Aon, I managed to quit smoking -- after 40 years, or so, – and I've never smoked since. I'm skeptical that I would have succeeded were it not for his soft-spoken, cheerful encouragement.

Finally, it was most impressive to see him reach out to newcomers at whatever meeting he was attending – always with some words of encouragement, if not inviting them out to lunch with him, on his nickel, of course. To say that “Tom was a Prince among men” is, to me, a gross understatement. His contributions will be long remember by all who have known him, and he will be sorely missed by us all!

Dear Inez and family
I was so sorry to learn of this sad news. Tom was a distinguished member of the University Club and will certainly be missed in the library.
Debbie Damolaris
Librarian

I first met Tom 27 years ago but feel like I've known him forever. His humor, intelligence and helping hand reached out to many and I was one. I feel his loss deeply but know he'd be pleased to know I couldn't make today's service because my wife and I are on a trip which Tom knew about and seemed almost happier about (for us) than we are. That was Tom, always thinking of others.

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Tom was such a kind man and good model, from whom I learned more than a few things...

Dear Inez and family.Condolences from my family. You are in our prayers.

WITH DEEPEST SYMPATHY...WE LOVED TOM....JACK AND PEGGY CROWE.

I was a pleasure to have known Tom, he had a wonderful sense of humor; always fun to be with!!

My sympathies to Inez and the family!

Steve Sills

Dear Inez and family, We just heard about Tom's passing and wish to express our condolences to all of you. We have such fond memories of our years living down the block from your family on Hawthorn Lane in our wonderful Greeley School neighborhood so many
years ago. May you be comforted and blessed now and in the days to come. With love, Suzanne & Paul Driggs

I have many wonderful memories of Tom.
Sitting around a table or in a room with friends, Tom's spirit was always shining. He helped so many in need. I will hold his smile in my heart.

Holmberg Family, please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of such a kind, generous and caring man. Tom was a dear friend who was there for me to help me through some significant challenges. During many conversations he used his enormous personalty and twinkling eyes to reassuringly coach me through a tough time. His advice made me a better person today and for life. God Bless you Tom and Family. With much Respect, Lou Haboush

Condolences to the Holmberg Family,

Tom was a generous spirit who helped many people in Chicago. I will remember his wonderful smile, the twinkle in his eyes and his always wise counsel. Tom will live on through those that knew him and through his loving family.

Tom- perhaps you will be re-united with Bill Burke and other of our fellow travelers.

Dear Inez and Family,
On Thursday Tom and all those he loved will be with me at the altar at the student chapel at Loyola University. A kind and good man, Tom brought the warmth of your family to our many gatherings honoring a Creator who was the most delighted guest at them.
With deepest sympathies,

Tom was wonderful!! I only new him for a year, but he treated me like we had been friends for a long time. I won't soon forget his spirit!


Harry Teinowitz, Evanston

May the God of comfort you during your loss.

He was a good friend to me and a good friend to many.I will miss his karma which was always wonderful. Best to Inez.

I had the privilege of working with Tom for many years; He was a great business man and a wonderful friend. My life was enriched by Tom's company. God Bless.

I first met Tom in the late 70's and early 80's sitting around the "Round Table" with a cast of characters at the R.C. of Chicago. I have been blessed to have sat around other "Tables" with Tom in the past decade and a half. He was one of my hero's. Peace to Tom, Michael and Judy and all others in your fine family. He will be missed but never forgotten. Bill Hargrave

When I was a young boy my mom told me she wanted me to be like Tom Holberg when I grew up...I should have listened to her - Tom was a wonderful guy and a great friend!

I was so sorry to hear about Tom, He was a good friend and an inspiration to many others. You and your family will be in my prayers.

Initially as a client and later as a friend, I had many fun adventures with Tom. One fond memory is of the day he accompanied me to the DMV to get my driver's license renewed. I dreaded the long lines, but he came up with a creative scheme that enabled me to circumvent the lines, renew my license and get out of there in a flash. I will miss his unique qualities, ranging from witty and mischievous to caring, genuine and spiritual. He made my life better--what more could I ask of a friend?

Aunt Inez,
We are so sorry to hear about Uncle Tom. You and your family are in our prayers.
Love, Bill & Lynn Leninger

Even as Tom's health failed, his zest for life never failed him. Inez and family, I hope you take comfort in his greatest legacy -- Tom's sparkle that shines through in each of his children, and in all of his delightful grandchildren, too. With a big hug,

Dear Judy and Holmberg Family,

My heart goes out to all of you during this difficult time. Please know that I am thinking of you and send my love.

Great Uncle Tom...You were larger than life and left us all with so much spirit and love in our hearts. You taught all of us - Holmberg, Brokamp and Williams folks about life and mostly, about how to love wholeheartedly. We should all try to be a little more like you each day.

To The Holmberg Family I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember your Dad looking out for me at my first job in 1985 at Marsh. He would take time to come and check on me. Such a kind and tender man. Love SueGal

Its hard to say goodbye to such a wonderful guy. Tom and I were good friends, associates, and business partners for almost 20 years. My condolences to the entire Holmberg family during this difficult time.
Kent Nelson
Inverness, IL

The Holmberg family has become like second family to me, and I feel so blessed to have known your Dad in the recent years. I am so sorry for your loss but so happy for you that you have so many extraordinary memories that will last many lifetimes. XO, Diane

I an sorry to hear about the loss of your love one, Thomas Holmberg Sr. This is a troubling and difficult time, but there is someone that you can throw your anxieties on. 1 Pet 5: 6,7, God wants us to pray to him and to let him know our distresses because he cares for us. May the family find peace in God's words.- NM

We were so sorry to learn of Tom's passing. He was an important member of The Winnetka Backgammon Club for many years and will certainly be missed.

I'm sad to learn of Tom's death. We grew up together in St.Luke Parish sharing many fun times together with Dick Dooley. My prayer is for grace and strength for Inez and family as offered during masses in the months ahead.

Many laughs and good times back in the day. We shall miss his sense of humor.
Tom Peterson

To dear friend Judy who I met as my roommate in college...may you remember all the wonderful memories of your dad.....may he rest in peace...Love you

Haven't seen Tom but once since we graduated, but he was a good friend. May God rest his soul.

Grieving is a process. Tom would not want you to entertain this long. The many people he helped in their time of need is testimony to Tom as being truly extrodinary.

I am sorry to hear of Tom's passing.
The class of '56 is getting smaller but I first knew Tom in grade school. He will be missed. He will be in my prayers.
Mary Dineen Yanan

Dear Jean, Inez--and family--I was truly saddened to learn of Tom's death. I remember well the Holmberg family and growing up together in River Forest. Our dad's both were American Legion buddys in River Forest post #730. Dick and Tom and I belonged to troop 63 BSA-- so spent Friday nights together while in grammer school. Yours was a great family--and Tom was one of the best.
I shall remember him in my prayers.

Tom Sr. leaves qiute a legacy in his beautiful extended family, the countless people he has helped and his demonstration of living each day with grace. I am glad to have known him and better for it.

My deepest condolences to the Thomas Holmberg Family.
Tom, was instrumental in helping me overcome personal issues that have lasted for the past 17 years.
I have been blessed to have known this wonderful man.

We were so sorry to hear of Tom's death. Our deepest sympathy and we are remembering you all in our prayers. From fellow Puma and classmate Marv and Janie Hackman

Though separated by the years, Tom will always be remembered as a friend and classmate...a member of the PUMAS OF '56 (St Joseph's College). Our prayers are with Tom's family. He rests now in the peace that is the promise of our Blessed Lord and Savior.
Jack Carlson, SJC, 1956

Tom Holmberg will be so missed by so many..The impact Tom had on the lives of those around him was profound. From the doorman in his building,the barristas at Starbucks,to all who were lucky enough to have regular encounters with him,Tom's care,humor and wit will be remembered and missed. He was not only one of my fathers closest friends,but he was such a good friend of mine,my wife Sheilas and others in our family. We will miss him deeply. Heaven has to be a better place than anticipated now that we know Tom is there..

Tom is remembered as engaging, sharing in courage and perseverance and kindness that touched many. We all have the gift of having Tom in our hearts forever. Big love to you ALL!

Dear Inez and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. Tom and I enjoyed a 53 year friendship. He was one of the most unforgettable and caring person I have ever known. I have so many fond memories of this remarkable friend.
Cynthia & John Pacholick

May persevering in prayer comfort you and your family. Romans 12:12. N.S.

My regrets to the Holmberg family.
Tom was a most delightful person.

Dear Tom, Mike & the Holmberg family,

Your dad will be missed by Kent & I, as well as by a great many others, we are sure. He was one of a kind - a true gentleman in an era that made him especially distinctive - and, with a wonderful, gracious sense of humor that brightened the day any time our paths would cross. His engaging smile, that lit up a room, will be sorely missed.

Susan & Kent Leonard