Thomas Michael Stempien, 55 years old, went to his heavenly home on January 28, 2022 with his mother, Marian and dear friend, Tina by his side. His battle with Covid that started December 26, 2021 ended in Rush-Copley Medical Center in Aurora. The Gentle Giant was born in Chicago on March 31, 1966 to Marian (Edman) and Thomas T. Stempien. He spent his younger years living in Lily Lake, WI, fishing, swimming, water skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, riding his bike and hanging out with a small group of friends. While in Wheatland Grade School he served as an altar boy and went to Boy Scouts. He had fond memories of time spent doing models and other crafts with his dad and spending time with treasured friends and cousins. In 1983, Tom married and had two children. During this part of his life his family made their home in between California and Illinois. He worked at Abbott labs and as an asbestos remover, eventually becoming a foreman for an asbestos company in California. In 2010, he married Michelle Garcia and they were blessed with a son, Daniel. Tom loved Daniel deeply and was so very proud of him. They carried on the tradition of working on models, even building and launching several homemade rockets. Tom became very ill when Daniel was quite young, and he moved to Illinois to live with his loving cousin Mike and his wife Cheryl to recover and get back on his feet. Eventually, Tom regained his health and was very happy to work at Four Seasons Heating and Cooling. He was able to live with his mom and brother, and have Daniel come out and visit during summer months. Family and friends were very important to Tom. He enjoyed camping with his cousins, going to Bears games with his cousins Mike and John, and spending holidays with cousins as well. Tom also cherished his Polish heritage, loving his mom's Perogi's and dancing the Polish hop. He loved being a dad and his favorite times with Daniel were going to train museums, playing battleship and spending time at the gun range trying out their homemade bullets. Tom's other talents and accomplishments included photography, being a certified asbestos remover, massage therapist and web designer. He is survived by his son, Daniel; two adult children; his mother, Marian; sister, Rosemary (Gene), brothers, Jim (Claudia) and Steven; nieces and nephews, Stevie, Ryan, Christopher, Gabrielle, Kyle and extended family, including his wonderful cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas T. Stempien; and stepson, Millenium. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 2, 2022 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME with CREMATORY, 1801 S. Douglas Rd., Oswego, IL 60543. For further information: (630) 554-3888 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com.