IN LOVING MEMORY
Tom Fencl
8/9/1966 – 4/5/2020

Tom's Celebration of Life
Join Us In Person
July 24th, 2:00 PM CDT (Doors Open at 1:30pm)
The Davis Theater, 4614 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
In person capacity may be limited. Please RSVP and we will confirm your registration when it has been approved.
Event Details
Schedule
Doors open at 1:30pm
Celebration of Life Ceremony from 2:00pm-3:30pm
Cocktail reception immediately following
Attire
Summer garden party (seersucker suits welcomed)
COVID-19 and Masks
Please wear a mask if unvaccinated, at risk, or personal preference
Parking
We recommend that guests utilize one of the three city pay lots located within one block of
The Davis Theater at: 4521 N Lincoln Ave; 2357 W Leland Ave; 4731 N Western Ave. (Locations highlighted in map below.)
Street parking is also an option. Please plan accordingly
Obituary
Thomas M. Fencl, 53, born August 9, 1966, lifelong resident of Chicago, IL, died April 5, 2020 at his home. Devoted husband of nearly 28 years to the love of his life, Mary (nee Sweetwood); beloved father of Emma, Grace, Lillian and Dennis; adored son of Dennis A. Fencl and Lora (nee Tillman); cherished brother of Matthew (Tammy) and Denise (Jesse) Garbison; extraordinary uncle to many nieces and nephews who affectionately referred to him as “Uncle Funcl.”
Tom graduated from John F. Kennedy High School (Chicago), and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Illinois University and his MBA from DePaul University. He was an accomplished real estate broker, developer, and investor and successfully owned and operated a portfolio of commercial and residential properties across the Chicago metropolitan area.
Tom dedicated many of his hours to his local community, serving in various board member positions on the Northcenter Chamber of Commerce, as a commissioner for a Special Service Area, co-chaired Northcenter Rib Fest multiple years, and also worked with the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce as well as the Ravenswood Community Council. He was honored with the Businessperson of the Year Award by the Gene and Rosemary Schulter Foundation in 2016 and the Peter Kattner Lifetime Achievement Award by the Northcenter Chamber in 2019. He was an entrepreneur as well as a visionary, rescuing and renovating a local landmark, the Davis Theater. The restoration of the Davis Theater received the 2018 Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award for Rehabilitation.
Most importantly, Tom was a devoted father to his four children. He loved spending time as an assistant coach of DJ’s baseball teams and as scorekeeper of his hockey games. Before his illness, he was the Loyola Academy Chuckwagon Master for Lily’s rowing team. He was a die-hard Cubs fan; a season ticket holder for much of his life, he attended all seven of the 2016 World Series games. His adventurous spirit and energy were undeniably contagious. He was an avid fisherman, confident bowler, enthusiastic golfer, planner of epic Las Vegas trips and vacations, spontaneous traveler, and delighted in including others on his escapades. He was a mentor and role model to many, the life of every party, and an incredible storyteller with an infectious spirit for fun. He had the uncanny ability to befriend everyone that crossed his path and could make an ordinary day extraordinary. His loss is felt deeply by many; it is difficult to imagine a world without Tom’s charisma, extravagant plans, legendary entertainment, and big heart.
Guest Book
Leave your memories, condolences, or well-wishes.
Donations
Donations in Tom's memory may be made to:
Please use the "Make this Gift In Memory of" section to indicate that your gift is being made in Tom Fencl's memory.
