Thomas E. Zalabak

Thomas “Tom” Edward Zalabak, age 73, of Monticello, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, February 12,

2023 surrounded by his family. He was born in 1949 in Chicago, Illinois, to George and Alyce (Jordon)

Zalabak. He grew up in Stickney and Lyons, Illinois with his two brothers, William and James. He was a

1967 graduate of Morton West High School.

Tom enlisted in the US Army in April 1969 and is a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was honorably

discharged in April 1972 having achieved the rank of Specialist 5. Shortly thereafter, on August 5, he

married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl Pankow, his wife of over 50 years.

Tom worked in the newspaper advertising industry for 50 years, holding every title from sales

representative, to director, to vice president. He was a recognized and awarded authority on

newspaper advertising and enjoyed educating others on perfecting the art of newspaper advertising

sales. Tom retired in November 2020. He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing ice hockey,

building model cars, fishing in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, and his red Ford Mustang.

He was a devoted father and grandfather. He is survived by his loving wife Cheryl; six children: Joseph

(Jennifer) Zalabak of Champaign, IL, Robert (Savannah) Zalabak of Darien, IL, Margaret (Josh) Mink of

Woodridge, IL, Andrew Zalabak of Monticello, IL, Thomas (Brittany) Zalabak of Champaign, IL, and Elyse

Zalabak of Monticello, IL; five grandchildren: Haven, Jonathan, Eden, Willow and Thomas; and two

brothers William Zalabak and James (Mary) Zalabak.

A visitation for Tom will be held Friday, February 24, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Mount Auburn

Funeral Home, 4101 S. Oak Park Avenue, Stickney, IL.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MountAuburnFuneralHome.com for the Zalabak family.