Thomas R Burrows' Obituary
Thomas R Burrows, 68, of Millstadt, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2025, at his home. He was born in Janesville, Wisconsin, on February 11, 1957. Tom was raised in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and lived a full and adventurous life—one marked by laughter, love, and loyalty.
Tom built a successful career as an executive in the food industry, traveling the world and leaving behind not only a legacy of leadership, but also lasting friendships and stories that will be retold for years to come. He was deeply passionate about education, especially for children, and strongly believed in the importance of nurturing young minds. The Illinois Family Institute and the Good Soil, Good Seed Foundation have shared that they will honor Tom with a scholarship award for children in the following year.
On December 3, 2016, Tom married the love of his life, his true north, Julia. Together, they built a life of laughter, music, love, and deep connection. Recently retired, they settled in Millstadt, Illinois, ready to enjoy the next chapter side by side.
Tom had a zest for life that showed in everything he did—from reading and shooting to cycling (having just completed a memorable ride in the Wisconsin Dells of 152 miles) and even returning to skiing. But above all, his heart belonged to golf. If you were looking for him, you would find him on the golf course—wearing colorful socks, possibly a salmon-colored shirt, and always with a grin and a witty remark ready.
He was fluent in sarcasm, a master of the quick comeback, and proud to be a smart aleck. Whether playing "Shark" in the pool with his grandchildren or belting out “Let It Snow” instead of “Let It Go,” Tom brought joy and humor to every family moment.
He was intelligent, honest to a fault, unwaveringly loyal, loving, funny, supportive, devoted and tough in all the best ways. He always showed up when he was needed.
Tom leaves behind his devoted wife Julia, his kind sister Pam, his beloved children Laura Horst, Logan Horst (Riley Terveer), Ben (Abbie) Burrows, Abby Burrows, and Elly (Nick) DiLeonardi. His precious grandchildren, Deklyn and Aurora, Josephine and Charlotte DiLeonardi, Christopher and Blake Burrows, his most treasured friend Clay Solberg, and countless family members, cherished friends, and his amazing golfing crew, all who will miss his humor, his wisdom, and his one-of-a-kind spirit.
He was preceded in death by his parents Roger and Phyllis (Brovick) Burrows.
Visitation will be Saturday, August 16, 2025, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm, at Leesman Funeral Home, Millstadt, IL. Services will be held at 2:00 PM, Saturday August 16, 2025, at Leesman Funeral Home, Millstadt, IL, with Wade Stewart officiating.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to Illinois Family Institute - P.O. Box 876, Tinley Park, IL 60477 or to a family fund, checks made payable to Julia Burrows.
Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
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