Thomas Wiater

Thomas “Tom” Wiater, 83, of Beecher, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 3, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on January 4, 1943, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, Tom was the son of the late Walter and Aurelia Wiater. A proud veteran, he honorably served his country in the United States Army. Tom dedicated many years of hard work as a crane operator at Chicago Heights Steel, retiring in 2008. On November 13, 1971, Tom married the love of his life, Barb (nee Weishaar), in Beecher, Illinois. Together they built a life centered on family, commitment, and love. Tom took great pride in his family and found his greatest joy in the time spent with them. Tom was known as a jokester with a heart of gold. He would do anything for anyone and never hesitated to lend a helping hand or give what he could to those in need. He will be fondly remembered for his wedding pranks and sense of humor that brought laughter to so many. When he wasn’t spending time with his beloved family, Tom enjoyed fishing and volunteering in his community. He is lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Barb; his cherished son, Brian; his “number one” daughter-in-law, Stephanie; and his beloved grandson, Mason, who was his buddy and brought him endless happiness. Tom is also survived by his brother, Bill (Karen) Wiater; his sister, Sandra (Mel) Crouse; his brothers-in-law, David (Julie) Weishaar, Steve (Paula) Weishaar, Stan Weishaar, Randi (Debbie) Weishaar, Jeff (Cindi) Weishaar, Kevin (Michelle) Weishaar, David Mashek, and Ray Blomberg; his sisters-in-law, Sheri (Roger) Karstensen, Diane Farmer, Vana (George) Barbeauld, Lona (Scott) Luebbe, Lori (Mike) Simmonds, and Lonnie (Derek) Harsy; as well as countless nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Aurelia Wiater; his mother- and father-in-law, Marge and Gilbert Weishaar; his sister, Geraldine Wiater; his brother, Jim Wiater; his sister-in-law, Karen Wiater; his brothers-in-law, Herschel Farmer and Harold Lattz; and his sisters-in-law, Nancy Lattz, Wendy Mashek, and Mardee Blomberg. Visitation will be held for Tom on Friday, May 8, at Hack-Jensen Funeral Home in Beecher, Illinois, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family, Uplifted Care of Kankakee, or the South Suburban Humane Society. Tom will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, humor, and the deep love he had for his family, and many friends he made along the way—he was a stranger to no one. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.