Thomas Fedash

Thomas Fedash

Age 91 of Coal City, formerly of Streator and Braidwood, died Sunday, January 30, 2022 at Morris Hospital.

Born December 26, 1930 in Streator, Thomas Stephen was a son of Edward and Ana (Opremchak-Dzurisko) Fedash. He was raised and educated in Streator and graduated from Streator High School. Tom enlisted with the United States Navy and served on the USS Perry for two years. Following his honorable discharge, he attended the Illinois State Police Academy and became a state trooper, working with District 5 for twenty five years and retired as an IBI Special Agent.

Tom’s faith was very important to him, and he was a member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church and participated in the Knights of Columbus. He had many interests, and held memberships with the Loyal Order of Moose, Elks Club, and the Fraternal Order of Police. Tom was a car enthusiast and enjoyed antique cars. He was a member with the Thunderbird Auto Club and was recognizable face at RUB Ford in Gardner where he worked after he retired from the State Police. Tom was a proud veteran who cherished the life-long friendships he carried with him from his military service and maintained through the USS Perry Naval Organization.

He was an avid outdoorsman who took pleasure in gardening on his family property and loved his John Deere tractor. Tom earned his private pilot’s license and would fly small aircrafts to a very late age. His knowledge of the design and history of firearms was extensive, and took pleasure in trying various cuisines, wine, and bourbons while traveling with his dear friend, Geraldine Miethke. Tom was a sociable man, rarely missing a morning coffee at McDonalds with his buddies, and cherished his family, especially pool time with his grandchildren.

Survivors include four children: Michelle (Robert) Frobish of Orlando, Florida, Susan (the late Robert) Melendez of Napa, California, Lynda (Joe) Youskevtch of Coal City, and Dr. Allison (Brad Ruff) Fedash of Maple Park, Illinois; one step-daughter: Anne (Merle) Elam of Coal City; nine grandchildren: Morgan, Thomas, Leslie, and Joey Youskevtch, Mike and Lisa Togliatti, and Brian, Joanna, and Stephanie Elam; one brother, Richard Fedash of Couer d’Alene, Idaho, one sister, Dolores (Robert) Black of Grand Ridge; two sisters-in-law: Lorraine Pierard and Margaret Pierard, both of Coal City; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by two wives: Alice (nee Pierard) Fedash in 1983 and Betty Togliatti-Fedash in 2002; one step son, Mike Togliatti; and three brothers-in-law: Ernest (Esther) Pierard, Edward Pierard, and David Pierard.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Monday, February 7, 2022 at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway Street (one block north of Illinois Route 113), in Coal City from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery, where Thomas will be laid to rest with his wife, Alice.

Those attending the Funeral Mass are kindly asked to wear face masks while in church.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book and share Tom’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. In Coal City (815) 634-2125.