Thomas L. Kusmerz

Visitation for Thomas L. Kusmerz, 76, of Hawthorn Woods, will be from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM on Friday, July 24, 2026, at the Ahlgrim Family Funeral Home, 415 S. Buesching Road, Lake Zurich. On Saturday, July 25, 2026, family and friends will meet directly at St. Peter United Church of Christ, 47 Church Street, Lake Zurich, IL where the Visitation will continue from 9:30 AM until the time of the Funeral Service at 10:00 AM. Following the Funeral Service, a Celebration of Life will commence at 11:30a.m. at The Onion Pub 22221 N. Pepper Rd., Lake Barrington, IL 60010

Tom was born on November 27, 1949, to Leonard and Margaret Kusmerz. He passed away on July 9, 2026.

Tom was a city kid, raised in Chicago alongside his sister, Sharon, and attended Notre Dame High School. Since he was a bit of a troublemaker, his mom, Peggy, enrolled him in kindergarten early, at just four years old. That decision proved to be a blessing, as it allowed Tom to leave Chicago and attend Upper Iowa College at the age of 17. It was there that he met the love of his life, Linda Bohnstengel, a farmer's daughter from Traer, Iowa.

After Tom joined the Army National Guard and Linda graduated from college, they married and purchased their first home in Hawthorn Woods. It became the home base for a full and busy life centered around family, friends, and the landscaping business Tom founded with his dad, which eventually became known as The Barn.

Tom and Linda raised their two children, Julie and Tom, and were devoted parents who made time together a priority, despite their growing business. Tom had a lifelong love of the outdoors, and nothing made him happier than fishing, hiking, or hunting with his family. Family vacations were often spent exploring the western United States and its national parks, skiing, hiking, horseback riding, and creating memories together.

As the family grew, Tom embraced his favorite role of all—Grandpa. Some of the family's favorite memories include a trip to Disney World and several unforgettable vacations to a dude ranch in Colorado, where Tom delighted in watching his grandchildren climb rocks, ride horses, and compete in the end-of-week rodeo.

Tom and Linda also shared a love of travel, spending many weeks exploring Europe, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii together. Alongside countless photos of Linda and the family, Tom's camera roll was always filled with sunsets from around the world and, of course, beautiful trees that caught his eye wherever their adventures took them.

Tom was the beloved husband of Linda Kusmerz; loving father of Julie Kusmerz, Joyce and Thomas Kusmerz, Jr., loving father-in-law of Sean Joyce & grandfather to Colin & Camryn Joyce, and Jack, Paige and Kate Kusmerz.

Tom was pre-deceased by his beloved parents Len & Peggy & sister, Sharon (Kusmerz) Lasiewicz.

In lieu of flowers, memorials will be appreciated to https://bacoa.org/donate/ or for those who wish to make a memorial gift, please consider a donation to Citizens for Conservation: https://citizensforconservation.org/2025/12/15/nurture-nature-donate-today/

All the funds collected will be used to purchase oak trees for Citizens for Conservation, and The Barn Group will install them in honor of Tom.