John Thomas “Tom” Adrianson, 91, of Joliet, Illinois, formerly of Battle Creek, Michigan, died August 19, 2018 at The Parc of Joliet Nursing Home. He was born December 25, 1926 in Battle Creek to Roy E. and Margaret (Mapes) Adrianson. Tom graduated from Battle Creek Central High School and Albion College, where he met the love of his life and wife of 69 years, Janine (DePew) Adrianson.
He served with the US Army occupation troops in Japan in World War II. He was a member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, a past president of The National Management Association and The Battle Creek Optimist Club. He served on the Boards of the Salvation Army and the Battle Creek Council of Camp Fire Girls. His passions were his family and his music. He played trombone for 73 years and had an excellent singing voice. He was a founding member of The New Superior Jazz Band, played in the American Legion Band, Kellogg Community College Concert Band, Post Band, Marshall Community Band and The Lew Boyd Band, among others. During his career he was employed by Eatons, owned Commercial Bureau of Credits and retired from The School Employees Credit Union, all in Battle Creek.
He is survived by his wife, Janine, his sister Mrs. Harley G. (Marilyn Adrianson) Simmons, daughters Robin of Chicago, IL, Lisa (Garry) Gonzales and granddaughter Adrienne Gonzales of Bolingbrook, IL, sister-in-law Mrs. Gerald (JoAnn French) Adrianson, and several loving nieces, a nephew and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gerald M. Adrianson.
He will be best remembered for his warmth, kindness, wonderful sense of humor and the infectious joy he shared with his music. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 25th, at 2:00PM, in the Chapel of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 16 E. Van Buren St., Battle Creek, followed by a reception in the Parish Hall until 4:30PM. Memorials in his remembrance may be made to the Battle Creek Salvation Army, St. Thomas Episcopal Church or the Battle Creek Central High School music department.
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Dear Jan, Robin and Lisa–
I am so very sorry for your loss of your wonderful, happy, kind and talented husband/dad–he was so much to all of us on Latta St. — Especially the Menchl brood!! Many wonderful memories are running through my mind since I heard of his passing. What a wonderful shared driveway we had –how close we all were.
Its been quite a few years since I saw him in his band with Jan as his cheerleader–was always great hearing all the old stories and just spending time with your parents. They were the best and I just wanted you all to know that we loved him and your mom and Nola and you two soooo much! My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May he rest in peace. Love, Becki Menchl Jenney
So many happy memories. Our families will always share a special bond. Thank you so much, Becky.
Dear Auntie Jan, Robin, and Lisa,
I was so sad to hear of Uncle Tom’s passing. He is a man who brought so much joy and fun to those around him and cared so deeply about us all. I have so many fantastic memories from childhood and my children also can recall his visits to Wall Lake and the music he brought to us as we had family outings to several of his gigs. He will be missed, but well remembered. My love and prayers are with you.
Love, Peggy, Tony, Andrew, Peter, and Elizabeth
We are wallowing in so many happy memories. I’m so grateful for your visits. Thank you and love to all,
Lisa