Thom Drieselman

Thom Drieselman, age 76, of Quincy passed away Saturday, January 4, 2025 in his home after a brave and dignified battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born May 8, 1948 in Quincy, the son of Don Drieselman and Carol (Rose) Drieselman. Thom was a 1966 graduate of Christian Brothers High School. He married Cindy Terwelp, his best friend and high school sweetheart, on May 31, 1969. They celebrated 55 years of marriage.

Thom gained recognition in his younger years for his beautiful antique reproductions of fine furniture. These reproductions and his woodworking skills were known by repeat clients, spanning multiple states and even reaching the British Virgin Islands. Thom’s career began at Huck Fixture Company, where he worked for 28 years, rising from apprentice to management. This experience laid the foundation for him to launch his own business, Drieselman Manufacturing, where he dedicated the next 24 years to building a reputation for producing high-end commercial casework throughout the United States. Thom took great pride in his employees, valuing their hard work and dedication, which contributed to the company’s reputation. He retired in 2017. He enjoyed time with his family, family vacations, outings with friends, motorcycle riding and trap shooting.

In addition to his wife, Cindy, Thom is also survived by his greatest joys: daughters Danielle Costello (John), Lisle, IL; Andrea Hays (Shannon) Avon, Ohio and grandchildren Sophia and Liam Costello; Olivia and Owen Hays. Also surviving siblings Dan Drieselman (Judy) of Lavonia, MI; Donna Drieselman of Quincy, IL. Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.

Thom was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Carol (Rose) Drieselman and in-laws Bob and Marjorie Terwelp.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Thom’s caregiver, Becky Crane, for her compassionate care and support. They are also deeply grateful to his friends for their companionship and comfort during his journey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Peter Catholic Church. Interment in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the mass at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Parkinson Foundation, Michael J. Fox Foundation, Transitions of Western Illinois, or St. Peter
Catholic Church, Quincy, IL.

20 Comments

  1. Rick and Judy haugh on January 5, 2025 at 1:36 pm

    Thoughts and prayers are coming your way. I admired you for the care and love you gave to Tom during his illness sending you a hug

  2. Bruce and Shirley Tode on January 5, 2025 at 3:25 pm

    Bruce and I send sincere condolences to the family. We loved Thom, and really respected his craftsmanship. You are all in our prayers.

    • Sheila & Kent Stevenson on January 8, 2025 at 5:59 pm

      I’m so sorry for your loss. May God and your memories comfort you. 🫂🙏
      Kent and Sheila Stevenson

  3. L Snyder on January 5, 2025 at 5:50 pm

    My sympathy to the family. Tom was a great guy.

    Larry Snyder

  4. mike /kathy kovachevich on January 5, 2025 at 7:06 pm

    Words are hard to exspres on all our hearts that Thom has touched. Drieselman family will always have all the special memories that Thom has given to his family . He was a gem of a man!

  5. Carol Ragar Leckbee on January 6, 2025 at 6:54 am

    So sorry Cindy,to hear of your husband passing.Prayers with you and family❤️🙏🏻

  6. Brent Dieker on January 6, 2025 at 9:34 am

    Sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working for Tom at Hucks Fixture. He always had a smile on his face. He was a great man.

  7. Debbie Maas on January 6, 2025 at 10:29 am

    Prayers for you and your family, Cindy.

  8. Gerald and Sharon Logsdon on January 6, 2025 at 12:30 pm

    Sorry for your loss.

  9. Jan and Toot on January 6, 2025 at 1:08 pm

    So sorry for your loss , Cindy
    “TOOT” thought so much of Thom.
    He definitely was one of the good guys.
    Hugs and prayers for you.

  10. Mimi Wesolowski on January 6, 2025 at 1:54 pm

    We are very sorry for you and your family’s loss Cindy. You and Thom had always been a great neighbors for us when we were in Sheridan Dr. especially when Hugh passed away. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With love from Mimi and the kids.

  11. John & Shelly Cook & family on January 7, 2025 at 10:08 am

    So sorry for you loss, thoughts and prayers to your families

  12. Mike Lavery on January 7, 2025 at 11:36 am

    Thom was a special guy and a true craftsman. He had magic in his hands and always a smile on his face. True works of art!

  13. Becky Crane on January 7, 2025 at 1:21 pm

    Cindy, Danielle, & Andrea (AKA “Thom’s Girls”): Thank you for sharing Thom with me these past few years. I’m forever grateful for time spent with this fun, compassionate and wise man disguised as “A Job!” No matter where we went or what we did, Thom was always eager to relate the details of our outings to Cindy at the end of the day.
    Cindy: the exceptional care you provided Thom 24/7 the past 8 years that allowed him to remain in the home he designed was remarkable; you’re freakishly strong and should be so proud.

  14. Maria on January 7, 2025 at 9:29 pm

    Danielle and John, Sophia and Liam,
    Deepest sympathies at this tender time. Praying for you and your family. May your father (grandfather) rest in peace.

    Maria Stadler

  15. Bill and Mona Boren on January 8, 2025 at 10:39 am

    Dear Cindy and family,
    Our hearts are heavy for you and your loss. Tom was blessed by all of you in his life. Keeping you all in our thoughts and most importantly prayers. May God wrap His loving arms around each of you and carry you through this time.
    With heartfelt Sympathy,
    Bill and Mona Boren

  16. Sharon Schonhoff on January 8, 2025 at 6:02 pm

    Cindy so sorry for the loss of Tom. Such a wonderful man husband friend father and talented carpenter. I remember when he went to Sheridan and swimmer laps every morning at 5 am before he went to work. That Parkinson’s is such a terrible illness to suffer through. Hugs and prayers for you & your family❤️🙏🏼

  17. Marcia Green on January 10, 2025 at 8:30 am

    Cindy so sorry for your loss. So happy I got to ‘catch up with you” when we met just before the holidays. You are an amazing person. Prayers for you & all the family

  18. Debbie Beck on January 11, 2025 at 6:47 pm

    Danielle and Family,
    I’m so sorry for your loss! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
    Love,
    Debbie Beck

  19. Jayne Lammers on January 13, 2025 at 9:18 am

    Cindy, I was so sorry to hear about Thom. I will always remember his happy face from the times when I taught your wonderful daughters through the time that we worked together. You are all in my prayers as you go through this difficult time.
    Love,
    Jayne

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