Thomas Michael Krigas

Tom was born April 11th, 1939 in Chicago, IL to Irma (nee Hagemann) and Russell Krigas. Outsiders would note that Tom was destined for an interesting life when at 3 years old he escaped from home and walked half a mile through Chicago's Lincoln Park to his Grandfather's tap where he pulled himself up on a stool and boldly pronounced, "How about a soda pop, Uncle Henry?" Tom's life was not without challenges, losing both his mother at 14 and his father at 19 but he possessed an incredible spirit and quiet sense of service and caring that would drive his actions the rest of his life. After attending the Lone Oak, a single room school, and graduating from Zion Benton High School a year early, Tom received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois. Tom earned both his Master's and Doctorate degrees from Michigan State University. Tom would spend the rest of his life supporting the School of Natural Sciences at MSU and the various ups and downs of Spartan athletics.

It was at MSU that Tom met and married his late wife Mary (nee Lander) in 1965. Tom's luck at MSU continued when he answered an advertisement looking for a chemist research assistant to support a biology research project. As Tom would say, it was just dumb luck that the team's efforts would result in the development of the first major cancer chemotherapy drug, Cisplatin. In true Tom fashion, he never considered his research efforts worthy of the rewards he received and instead used them to further his support of charities, educational programs, community healthcare, and local and national politicians. Following his academic career, he had a long and successful career as a chemist in the polymer plastics industry retiring in the mid 1990s.

Tom served on Northwest Community Hospital's Foundation and in various roles within the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights. Tom's love and patience were tested throughout his life including the loss of Mary in 2016. However, Tom found solace, friendship, and comfort with his church community and would often email his heathen children copies of Pastor Alex's sermons in addition to his regular Heather Cox Richardson updates. To say that Tom believed in the American Dream would be an understatement. He ached for justice and equality and supported political parties and individuals who represented the best America he believed we could be.

When Tom wasn't out trying to quietly save the world, our democracy, or a friend or family member in need, he loved to spend time with his family. He loved to watch his grandchildren grow and shared personalized experiences with each, attending their performances, sports events, or taking them on trips to see the Cubs lose etc. Tom's zest for life included taking on additional challenges like golf, the love of which he passed to his children. Tom's prowess on the golf course was somewhat legendary in that he never lied about a stroke, even when it took him into three digits.

Tom's other love, included his friend of 50+ years, Susan Strasser, and together they enjoyed the last few years of his life in a loving relationship that he held dearest to the end.

Tom's legacy can be summed up in a few statements: Believe in the kindness of others; help those in need; share your love through acts not just words; and always make time for crossword puzzles, the six o'clock news, and a wee dram of whiskey.

Tom is survived by his children, Jason (Amy) Krigas, Steven (Elizabeth Kime-Krigas) Krigas and Lauren Kelleher; his brother George Krigas; his grandchildren Kelsey, Kailey, Ian, and Connor Krigas; his sister-in-law, Robin Salzberg-Greene, his cousins, Diane DeRudder (Hagemann), Henry Hagemann Jr., and his special friend, Susan Strasser.

There will be a Memorial Service at 11:00 am, Saturday, July 8, 2023, at the First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, 302 N. Dunton Ave., Arlington Heights, IL 60004. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights or the Northwest Community Hospital Foundation, 3040 W. Salt Creek Lane, Arlington Heights, IL 60004, www.nch.org/donate are welcome. Funeral Information and condolences can be given at www.GlueckertFuneralHome.com or (847) 253-0168.