Thomas Rynders
Godfrey |
Thomas W. Rynders, 79, passed away at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at his home with his family at his side. Born February 22, 1933 in Alton he was the son of Frank and Sabina (Berghoff) Rynders.
He served with the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 and was a member of the American Legion Post 126 in Alton. He also served as Scoutmaster for seven years for Troop 126. Tom retired from Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 553 in 1993. He enjoyed duck hunting, fishing, playing dominos and leather crafting. He was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey where he sang in the choir for 30 years.
On September 5, 1953 he was married to Jeanne Joehl by Reverend J.J. Brune at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton. She survives. Also surviving are three sons and one daughter, Tim (Jeanne) Rynders of Godfrey, Teri (Rusty) Cope of Alton, Ted (Nancy) Rynders of St. Peters, MO, and Trent (Valerie) Rynders of High Ridge, MO, nine grandchildren, Amanda Wiesemann, Danny Rynders, Jackie Cope, Laura Gerdes, Jenna Rynders, Sarah Rynders, Erica Ndina, Samantha Rynders, and Victoria Rynders, two great granddaughters, Allison and Haley Wiesemann, and one sister, Barbara Gibbons of Godfrey.
He was preceded in death by four brothers, Ellis, James, Harold, and Robert Rynders, and one sister, Mary Gross.
Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, January 25, 2013 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 26, 2013 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey. Father Steve Pohlman and Father Jerry Wickenhauser will concelebrate. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Alton.
Memorials may be made to MRFA (Mesothelioma Research Foundation), Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, masses, or a charity of one’s choice. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
Gent Funeral Home
