Thomas Fortner

Thomas “Tom” Fortner, 78, of Zion, Illinois, passed away peacefully on July 3rd, 2025 with his loving wife and son by his side. He was born March 6th, 1947 in Booneville, Mississippi to parents Zeb and Ruby Fortner.

Tom was raised in Zion and graduated from Zion Benton Township Highschool in 1965. In 1966 he proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force at Lackland where he completed training. Tom was also a member of the Zion Moose Club.

On August 24, 1969, Tom married his sweetheart, Carol Streblow. Together, they built a loving home filled with laughter, music, and good memories. They raised their son, Dusty, and later welcomed their grandson, Landyn, who is their pride and joy. In 1980, Tom and Carol founded Fortner’s Jewelry in Zion, a family business that continues to serve the community 45 years later.

Tom was a man of passions, he loved music, rock 'n; roll, (especially, Elvis), beautiful classic cars, (‘57 Chevy's), movies starring some of his favorites, John Wayne, Errol Flynn, Clint Eastwood... along with his special interest in documentaries about history, autobiographies, and many others. Happiness was the simplest part of life for him, taping special movies for his "boys" as he would say, and he was always so excited to hear about Landyn's day, from school days, to "hit a home run for Grandpa", always ending the day with a "thumps up".

Tom had a big heart and a gentle soul. His sharp wit, warm spirit, and unforgettable humor left a mark on all who knew him. Some of Tom’s favorite moments were the everyday ones; long drives, and fun times out on the deck, and days spent with family, and friends; where the laughter came easy and the stories flowed smoothly.

A devoted Green Bay Packer’s fan, Tom found serious excitement on game day, with packer decorations everywhere in preparation for a fun filled day with family, or on special road trips to Lambeau Field, beginning from "way back" with a lifelong friend, "The Gobe" who introduced him to a phenomenal, unforgettable, emotional feeling as you enter Lambeau Field. Larry, Randy, Eddie, Roger, and Big Rick have all been in his close circle of "Green Bay Buddies". These memories will now carry on forever more.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Carol; son, Dusty; and grandson, Landyn. Tom looked forward to days spent together and fun times with Landyn and Dusty and their special conversations.

Thomas is also survived by his sister, Linda Carol (Larry) Knox; sister-in-law, Mary Jo Townsend (Schaefer); a step sister, DeeMoan (Dan) Haile; Nieces, Shawn (Darryl) Hill, Kristine Streblow, and Meredith Smith; Nephews, Andy (Jennifer) Myers, and Clint (Angela) Pushee; Cousin, Larry (Karen) Beard and numerous other cousins; great nieces, Sadie Myers, Danielle Hinton, Chelsea (Chad) Miller, Rachel Ashcraft, and Taylor Knox; great nephews, Brandon (Kristi) Ashcraft, Josh Ashcraft, Nicholas Ashcraft, Ethan Knox, Logan Knox, Mitchell Horton, and Kellen Polk, along with numerous other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Zeb Fortner and Ruby Jury; stepfather, Ira Jury; sister, Patricia Myers; nephews, Tony Knox and Randy Streblow Jr.; brother-in-law, Randy Streblow; and sister’s-in-law, Susan Schaefer and Cathy Streblow.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 17th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. followed by a service at 1:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL. With burial to follow at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park in Zion, IL with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in Tom’s honor.