Thomas A. Banta, age 80 of DeKalb, IL passed away on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at DeKalb County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Dekalb, IL. He was born on November 26, 1942 in DeKalb, IL the son of Lester and Catherine (Japuntich) Banta.
Thomas was united in marriage on February 8, 1964, to Kathryn Ann Alford and they spent the next 59 years happily together. Thomas attended elementary school at St Mary’s in DeKalb, followed by two years of High School at St. Bede Academy in Peru Il. He Graduated from DeKalb H.S. in 1961. He immediately followed his schooling by beginning a 44 year career as a proud Union member of Ironworker’s Local 393 in Aurora, until his retirement.
Mechanically inclined, Tom enjoyed working on cars and taught his sons the same. Skiing with the DeKalb Ski-Ears, fishing, shooting, and Karate were some of his earlier hobbies. In retirement, raising “roller pigeons” and chickens became priority, along with flea markets, garage sales with Grandkids combined with “mobile” egg sales, truck pulls, and of course supporting many local eating establishments.
Tom also spent some years researching his Native American ancestry in and around the Menominee Nation the old-fashioned way, archival records and face to face.
Thomas was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Kathryn Banta of DeKalb, IL; his sons, Anthony (Heather) Banta, Gold Canyon, AZ. and Michael (Rebecca) Banta, DeKalb; his grandchildren, Ryan (Jess), Kellas (Joe), Cullen, Cole (Morgan), Kyle, and Tyler; his great grandchildren, Jayden, Angelina, and Sebastian; his brother, Timothy (Lois) Banta, Council Grove KS.; as well as six nieces and two cousins, Tony (Vickie) Japuntich, Cordele GA., Adrienne Matter, Tamarack MN., and three step-sisters Cathy Gamble, Sue Sinclair and Beth Mitchell.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lester Banta; his mother, Catherine (Raymond) Kribs, stepfather Raymond N. Kribs and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the nurses from ProMedica Hospice for their focused care. Thanks also to Dr. Thakker, Roger Elliot and Malta Fire/EMS, and finally, all the wonderful, caring CNAs and Nurses at DEKALB COUNTY Rehab and Nursing Center who’ve shown true compassion to Tom for over 4 years.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Thomas’ name, to ProMedica Hospice of Rockford IL.
Friends may visit from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday, January 27, 2023, at the Nelson Funeral Home, 1001 E. Garfield Street, Waterman, IL 60556.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at the Nelson Funeral Home, 1001 E. Garfield Street, Waterman, IL 60556, with a visitation from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM.
Interment will follow in the North Clinton Cemetery, Waterman, IL.
Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Homes & Crematory, www.NelsonFuneralHomes.com or (815) 264-3362.
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