Anthony “Tony” Mark Thum, a former Horticulturist, Gourmet Chef, and City Beach Manager for the City of Evanston, IL, passed away on April 1st, 2015 at the age of 50 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Chicago, IL on July 23, 1964 to Guenther and Margaret Thum and grew up in a loving family that included one brother, Peter, and two sisters, Rose and Celine. He leaves behind his long time love, Susan Evans; his son Joshua Sayner and daughter Jaden Nicole, former spouse Lori Thum, and many other family members and close friends.
Tony loved the outdoors, especially the Northwoods of Wisconsin where he religiously spent his vacation time every year with family and friends enjoying nature, hiking, fishing (usually with a license), snowmobiling, and indulging in the local bar and restaurant scene. Despite his Illinois roots, Tony was an avid University of Wisconsin Badger sports fan and also a former High School basketball player (and on-going enthusiast). In addition, he was a tremendous chef and thoroughly enjoyed watching the “Food Channel” (24 hours a day) – when not watching “Two and a Half Men” – and serving up exciting culinary creations to his family, friends, and co-workers.
Tony was a wonderful father, partner, co-worker and above all friend to many people. He will always be remembered for his easy going, amicable personality and warm (though timely sarcastic) sense of humor. He is survived by his loving partner Sue, children, brother and sisters, Mother, and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his Father and Grandparents.
Visitation is Friday, April 3rd, from 3:00 to 8:00 pm at Friedrichs Funeral Home, 320 W. Central Rd at Northwest Hwy, Mt Prospect, IL. Service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, April 4 th, at the Funeral Home. Interment at a later date in the Plum Lake Cemetery, Sayner, Wisconsin..
In memory of Tony, the family requests that donations be made to his children’s Bright Start College Savings Accounts. Please submit donations in the form of a check (with the name “THUM Bright Start” in the check memo field) to:
Morgan Stanley
C/O William Menke, Financial Advisor
3 First National Plaza
Suite 5100
Chicago, IL 60602