Thomas W. Yingling

Thomas (Tom) Yingling passed away on the morning of December 19, 2021 in his home, surrounded by family. Tom died peacefully under hospice care after three years of treatment for lymphoma, which he faced with humor, grace and persistence. Tom is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Jean (Potesta) Yingling. Tom is survived by Judi (Mabie) Yingling, his wife of 48 years, his daughter Alisa Yingling (Dan Hammett), as well as his sons Charlie Yingling (Hector Jose) and Sam Yingling (Lowell Jaffe). Tom’s grandchildren, the lights of his life, survive him as well: Josie Hammett-Yingling, James Jose-Yingling, Madeleine Jaffe, Drew Jaffe and Max Jaffe. Tom’s sister, Grace (Yingling) Golden, and numerous cherished nieces and nephews also carry on his legacy. Tom grew up in Wildwood, IL where he met his beloved Judi when they were still children. Tom and Judi were one another’s first love and began dating when Tom was 16 and Judi was 15. Partners in life and in business, Tom and Judi owned multiple businesses in the northern Lake County region: The Big Dipper Miniature Golf Course in Wildwood, the Red Noodle Restaurant in Round Lake Beach, the Sweet Stoppe in Wildwood and for the past 20 years, New Century Real Estate in Round Lake Beach. Residents of Lake Villa for more than 40 years, Tom and Judi created a home filled with love and joy for their three children and extended families. The Yingling house was known as a place where all were welcome with warmth and love. Tom was a community leader whose generosity was boundless. He served in formal leadership roles including the Lake Villa School Board and the Round Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. But, Tom’s greatest impact in his community was through his anonymous acts of extraordinary generosity. Tom could not help himself from offering up his time or resources when he learned of someone in need. Countless individuals and families have benefited from Tom’s kindness without ever knowing it. A celebration of Tom’s life and memory will begin with a wake to be held at Ringa Funeral Home 122 S. Milwaukee Ave, Route 83 in Lake Villa, IL on December 27, 2021 from 3pm-7pm. An additional visitation will take place on Tuesday December 28, 2021 from 9 - 10 am at Prince of Peace Church 135 S. Milwaukee Ave with a funeral mass at 10am. The mass will be live streamed at facebook.com/RingaFH Interment at Avon Centre Cemetery will follow the mass. For those attending the wake or funeral, please honor Tom’s love of his family and friends by wearing a mask to protect one another.

Thomas W. Yingling

July 25, 1951 - December 19, 2021

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