Thomas Tendick
Cottage Hills | Save
Thomas “Tom” James Tendick, 79, of Cottage Hills, IL, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.
He was born the second son of Stanley and Cora (Coats) Tendick on April 20, 1947, in Murrayville, IL. He married the love of his life, Betty Raftopoulos, on her 19th birthday, April 22, 1967, in Jacksonville, IL. They were blessed with 3 children, Thomas Jr., Toby, and Tanya, and shared 59 years of marriage. Tom and Betty lived in Cottage Hills for their entire marriage.
Tom spent over 38 years with Purex, which later became Dial Corp and then Henkel. He started in industrial maintenance as a mechanic. Through continued education at Ranken Technical College, he became a licensed engineer. He also served as a union shop steward for Teamsters Local 618. He enjoyed watching NASCAR and wrestling, building models, and working on cars.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Don and Mack; and sisters Dorotha Joan Short, CloAnn McGlasson, and Alma Marie.
He is survived by his wife, Betty; his children, Thomas Jr. (Stephanie) of Cottage Hills, Toby (Erin) of Hamel, and Tanya (Morgan) Campbell of Lewistown; 7 grandchildren, Meghan (Jamison) Metcalfe, Trever, Tyler, Travis, Chase, McKenzie, and Nicholas; 3 great-grandchildren, Brooklynn, Aubree, and Jordyn; his brother, Maurice “Mo” (Jamie); his sister, Trudy and her companion, Bo Hayes; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Tom was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He never met a stranger, and he was a friend to all. If you were to ask Betty, she would say, “He is my everything.”
A graveside service will be held Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens, Last Supper Mausoleum, 10 Erwin Plegge Blvd, Bethalto, IL 62010. Pastor Isaac King will officiate. Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ranken Technical College scholarship fund. Donations may be made online at Ranken.edu or mailed to:
Ranken Technical College
Development Department
4431 Finney Ave
St. Louis, MO 63116
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
