Thomas Jay Blank

Thomas Jay “Tom” Blank, 67, of Peoria, passed away on Monday, May 19th, 2025 at his home. He was reunited with the love of his life, Lisa Blank, as he transitioned to his heavenly home. He was born on February 20th, 1958 in Des Moines, Iowa, a son of Jack Thomas Blank and JoAnn Ruth (Greiman) Blank. Tom married Lisa Ann Martin on August 20th, 1976 in Peoria. She preceded him in death on August 24th, 2022 in Peoria. They met as young teenagers and were immediately smitten with each other. Tom and Lisa were married for 46 loving, vital and sometimes hard earned years. A true testament to their dedication and unconditional love for each other.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents.

Tom is survived by his three children, Melissa (Brent) Patterson of Trivoli, David Blank (Jana Huston) of East Peoria, and Laura (Matt) Stoner of Peoria; five grandchildren, Jordan, Haley and Lilly Patterson, and Trenton and Tallulah Stoner. Siblings, Jacqueline McCavitt-Blank of Peoria, Jeff (Jill) Blank of Peoria and Jolyn Blank of Tampa, Florida.

Tom completed the sheet metal apprenticeship program as a young man. He then went to manage the family business, Rapid Carwash in Peoria. Tom then worked with his parents as Operations Manager at Riverside car dealership in Chillicothe. Later in life he graduated from ICC with an Associates degree in computer programming and maintained President’s list honors throughout the entirety of the college curriculum.

Tom was on the swimming and wrestling teams at Richwoods High School. He can be described as a Jack (Blank) of all trades and a lifelong student of many different things. Tom could do anything from building computer software, mechanical work or plumbing to gardening. He taught himself how to play guitar as a young man. Later in life he became a master woodworker and taught himself to make his own acoustic and electric guitars. After the passing of his beloved wife, he stayed occupied with constructing the finest guitar he ever made and dedicated it in her memory and named the guitar “Cinnamon Girl.” Tom had a fantastic taste in music and passed this trait to his children. Music to him was the best medicine and the ultimate healer. Tom enjoyed riding his Harley. He said one of the most beautiful things he ever experienced was riding his Harley alongside his dear friend all the way through the Smokey mountains.

Tom was a strong, intelligent and philosophical individual. He stood firmly in what he believed in and he believed in protecting and providing for his family. He was always there for his loved ones. Tom was blessed to have multiple lifelong friends. These good old boys looked after Tom and helped him through a difficult time in his life. The family thanks them from the bottom of their hearts.

To family, friends and acquaintances, Tom would want you to play a song that reminds you of him. Think of memories that make you laugh, smile and warm the heart. He’s now watching over us, and letting the music heal us will make a fine start.

“In memory of the memories we can’t remember.” Thomas J. Blank

Tom’s family has arranged a celebration of life gathering from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at the German American Central Society, 7601 N. Harker Drive, Peoria, IL 61615.

Cremation was entrusted to Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Guitars 4 Vets (guitars4vets.org) or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.