Thomas Michael Wanda

Thomas (Tom) Michael Wanda, of Alden, IL, age 74, passed away Friday, February 27, 2026, in his home, surrounded by his comforting family. 

Tom is survived by his wife, Mary (Vodvarka) Wanda; his children and their spouses, Jonathan Wanda, Benjamin (Gwendolyn) Wanda, Abigail (Joshua) Englert, Joseph (Hannah) Wanda, Lydia (Gabriel) Bahrke, and Matthew Wanda; and his fourteen grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents Frank and Clara (Anusky) Wanda and his brother Richard Wanda.

Tom was born on September 25, 1951, in Chicago, IL. Having an entrepreneurial spirit, in 1974 he started his company The Master’s Touch, specializing in auto trim repair. While attending Gospel Outreach in Chicago, he met a beautiful woman named Mary, and on October 4th, 1980 they were married. He and Mary moved to Hebron, IL. in 1990, marking the beginning of their life in the country. They embraced their new lifestyle raising their children to love the Lord Jesus Christ, the Bible, our country, to appreciate nature, farmlife, and sports (ie. he coached Little League, hosted backyard football games, and cheered on the Chicago Blackhawks and Da Bears), and to enjoy family road trips across the nation. After retirement in 2017, he filled his time with his grandchildren, fishing, traveling with Mary, managing their homestead, and exercising. 

Tom was a man after the Lord’s own heart who valued his faith and adoption in Christ more than anything else. With every opportunity given, he was eager to share the Gospel, whether it was working with Gideon’s International, Bible Studies, County Fair ministries, or a waiter at a diner. He strove to be a supportive husband, caring father, encouraging grandfather, generous friend, and a godly man. He did all of his work to the praise and glory of God.

Tom left a legacy that will be carried on for generations, and his life will not be soon forgotten. He fought the good fight, and now he is living in eternal glory with his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Visitation will be from 4 until 8 PM on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Harvard Bible Church with select family members sharing at 6 PM, 5817 Island Rd., Harvard, IL 60033. Funeral service will be at 10 AM on Friday, March 6, 2026 at Harvard Bible Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Gideon’s International in Tom’s honor, www.gideons.org/donate