Thomas Leonard Weber, 60, a former, long-time resident of Rio, Illinois, died Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at his rural home in Dansville, Michigan.
His death was precipitated by heart failure in the early morning hours.
Born in Galesburg, to James L. and Margaret A. Weber, Tom and his six siblings were the 4th generation to a German-Immigrant line, from Niederwinden, Germany. He established his own farm outside of Dansville, MI and was a member of the Church of the Resurrection Catholic Parish.
Tom was a trombone player in the ROVA High School Band and later played for Iowa State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Community & Regional Planning. His career took him to through positions in Phoenix, Arizona, Los Angeles, California, and Seattle, Washinton. Later in life, he returned to the Midwest working at Davenport, Iowa and for the last 14 years as a Planner with Michigan Emergency Management, while also farming.
Tom was a devout born-again Christian & Catholic and loved church history, as well as artwork and was an active cantor for his local parishes throughout his life. Over the years, he loved mountain biking and hiking. He also loved dogs and raising his Australian Shepherds.
Tom is survived by his two brothers and two sisters. Laura (Frederick) Isele – East Moline, IL, David (Nancy) – Morrison, IL, Mary Elizabeth Johnson – Hastings, MN, and Jim (Kimberly) – Keller, TX. Tom’s legacy also includes 31 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters: Kathryn (James) Olson and Theresa (Lyle) Miller.
Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Rosary will begin at 11 a.m. at the church with the funeral mass to follow. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lay Dominicans. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
