Thomas Mark Herzog

THOMAS MARK HERZOG, 35, of Red Bud, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2019 in Decatur, Texas.

Tom was born on September 8, 1983 in Chester, Illinois and he is the son of Mark Thomas Herzog and Mary L. (Guebert-Herzog) Hamilton.

Tom was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Red Bud, and actively participated in Youth Group while attending St. John’s Lutheran School and Red Bud High School. Tom was in Cub Scouts when he earned the Lutheran Religious Award and Order of the Arrow. While in Scouts, he especially enjoyed pinewood derby races. During his high school years, Tom studied Industrial Arts, was FFA Vice President and Sentinel and a VICA member. After graduating in 2002, he was awarded the Henry Thielen Family Scholarship and attended Southwestern Illinois College. He enjoyed many years with his faithful golden retriever companion, Sandy.

Tom debuted his skills as owner of Tom’s Lawn Care. During high school he worked at Red Bud Industries in the general maintenance department. In 2004, Tom began working as a Die Cast Operator at Spartan Light Metals and in 2006, he became a machinist at Red Bud Industries. Tom followed his dream and launched full-time into the monster truck industry during 2014.

Tom had an exceptional mechanical aptitude which lead him to design and build “Midnight Rider Monster Truck”. He was a member of MTRA and an independent driver for many promoters in the monster truck industry, including Monster Jam. Most recently, Tom completed the first quarter with Monster Truck Wars and was beginning their Summer Heat Tour. Tom was loved and respected by his colleagues. He was honored to sign autographs and pose for photos with enthusiastic fans, young and old.

Tom was a son any parent would be proud of and a wonderful, loving big brother and special friend.

Survivors:

Father

Mark Herzog

Mother

Mary Hamilton

2 Sibling:

Donny Hamilton

Katelyn Hamilton

Special Friend:

Ashley Freeman

Aunts & Uncles:

Carol Herzog, Don (Sandy) Herzog, Pat (Debbie) Herzog, Ann (Bill Thomas) Herzog, Joan (Steve) Monrotus,

Barb (John) Foster, Barb Buerck, Robert Guebert, Lois Guebert and Mark (Sharon) Guebert

Cousins:

Jason, Jarrett, Brian & Craig Herzog, Alan & Sheryl Herzog, Chris & Jeff Herzog, Steve, Jimmy, Danny & Cindy Monrotus,

Michelle Rockey & Robin Becker, Chris & Tim Foster, Eddie Guebert & Debbie Bracht, and Eric Guebert

Many dear and close friends. Loved and respected by all his monster truck colleagues and families.

Preceded in death by: Grandparents—Thomas H. & Mary Herzog, Edwin & Nina Guebert, Jr., 2 Uncles –Daniel Guebert and Paul Herzog, 2 Cousins-- Kimberly Guebert and Beth Guebert

Funeral Service:

1:00 pm, Sunday, May 19, 2019

St. John Lutheran Church, Red Bud, Illinois

Officiating:

Rev. Mark Nebel

Rev. Russell Koen

Interment:

St. John Lutheran Cemetery

Red Bud, Illinois

Visitation:

Saturday – 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Sunday – 9:30 am – 11:30 am

Pechacek Funeral Homes, Red Bud, Illinois

Sunday – 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm

St. John Lutheran Church, Red Bud, Illinois

Memorials:

Dakota Boys & Girls Ranch

LCMS Youth Ministry

LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces