Memorial Hospital.
He was born on February 2, 1942, in Oak Park, IL, the son of Reider and Lauretta (Flaherty)
Andersen MacArthur.
Everyone who knew Tom knows he was an excellent athlete. His love of sports began at a very
young age while attending Portage Park Elementary School. He really excelled in sports during
his time at Schurz High School where he was quarterback of the football team, played first base
on the baseball team, and was the lead scorer on the basketball team, which earned him a spot
on the Chicago All City Team. After he graduated in 1960, Tom attended Northern Illinois
University where he played basketball. He eventually transferred to Western Illinois University,
where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree. After graduation, Tom moved to Springfield and met Janet Tumulty. They married and had two daughters, Amy and Wendy. Although their
marriage ended, because of the love of their daughters, they continued to spend family
celebrations and holidays together. Tom went on to be a P.E. teacher and coach, before finding
his calling in sales at Franklin Life Insurance Company.
Having grown up on the north side of Chicago, Tom was an avid Cubs fan. He never gave up on
his team and felt such joy when they finally won the World Series. Tom also loved cheering on
his other Chicago sports teams.
Tom’s love of people was unsurpassed. He had a gift of making a connection with everyone he
met. He had a passion for life and a heart of gold. Tom knew no stranger, and once you became
his friend, you were a friend for life. Many of Tom’s closest friends were from grade school and
high school. He picked up several other friends along the way through the YMCA, local tennis
groups, competitive baseball and softball teams, and golf groups. He also made numerous
friends through the various clubs where he was a member such as ABC, Sangamo, Jacksonville
CC, and the Springfield Racquet Club.
One of Tom’s biggest accomplishments was raising his daughters. Through his love of sports,
he taught them to be competitive, social, disciplined, and strong. He spent many summers taking them to tennis tournaments all over the midwest. It was no secret how much he loved his
daughters. Just ask any of his friends.
Tom loved his grandkids as much as he loved his daughters. He bragged about them to anyone
who would listen. Whether it be about their sports accomplishments, school awards, or just their daily activities, he was so proud. They were his pride and joy.
Tom’s love of sports and his gift of connecting with people lead him to his companion, Tina.
While on an airplane on his way to Florida for a baseball tournament, he struck up a
conversation with a lovely woman seated next to him. Little did he know, they would spend the
next eight years together.
Tom was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church. His faith was very important to
him. Part of Tom’s daily routine was reading the Bible. He also looked forward to listening to the
sermon every Sunday.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Glen MacArthur; brothers, Reider Jr. and
Michael; and stepbrothers, Todd and Glen Jr.
Tom is survived by his daughters, Amy (Richard) Stensrud of Powell, OH and Wendy (Scott)
Hurrelbrink of Springfield; grandchildren, TJ and Jon Simpson, and Ella and Andrew Hurrelbrink;
companion, Tina Blasberg; and nieces, Viki (Sean) Hilferty and Debi (Steve) Green.
Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center.
Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4pm to 7pm on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Butler Funeral Home - Springfield, 900 S. 6th St, Springfield.
Additional Memorial Gathering and Memorial Service: Family will receive friends from 10am until the 11am Memorial Service at Butler Funeral Home - Springfield. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.
Memorial contributions may be made to: YMCA Strong Kids at https://www.springfieldymca.org/strong-kids/ or American Red Cross of
Springfield at https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/
Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer your condolences.
