"To Mary and John, Margie, Bob, John Michael, Claire, Beth ... to your father, Mary ... and to all your beautiful family: you're very much in our prayers. I can only imagine how much Tom will be missed by all of you. May you find comfort among friends in these days ahead, and may Tom find comfort in heaven, with your mother. "
In loving memory of
Thomas F. Alerding
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969
Thomas F. Alerding, 54 of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, May 13, the 43rd anniversary of his mother?s passing, Margaret Hicks Alerding. Tom was a 1970 graduate of Bishop Chatard High School and attended Indiana University. His professional sales career spanned over 30 years throughout Indiana and the Midwest. Tom?s life centered around his family and a wide variety of friends from all walks of life. Known by many as ?A friend?s, friend?, Tom was always available to help anyone in need, whether it was helping someone move, consoling a loved one or just simply offering a funny story and his trademark smile. He was an avid IU basketball and Bob Knight fan, seldom missing an IU game in the past 30 years. He would spend hours listening to his favorite musicians, the Beatles, and especially one of his heroes, John Lennon. As the self-appointed family Santa Claus, Tom entertained family and friends each year with his incredible humor and his fresh approach to the celebration of Christmas. One of Tom?s favorite places on earth was Palisades, Michigan where he spent many summers working and playing with some of his dearest friends. Simple, humble and endearing, Tom never met a stranger.
He is survived by his father, Robert J. Alerding; his brothers, R. James Alerding, Michael P. Alerding, Joseph P. Alerding, and his sisters, Ann Fitch, Mary Schaffner, and Peggy Horton. Tom was like a big brother and a second father to his 17 nephews and nieces and his 18 great nephews and nieces.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 18 at 10 a.m. in St. Matthew Catholic Church. Friends and family will gather Wednesday, May 17, from 4 to 8 p.m. in Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel, 740 E. 86th St. Memorial contributions may be made to Bishop Chatard High School, 5885 N. Crittenden, Indianapolis, IN. 46220
Tributes
"My condolences go out to the Alerding family. Tom was a true friend who I have known since we were both teenagers at Palisades Park, MI. I don't think that I have ever known anyone else like Tom. He had a very special way of making me feel like I was one of the funniest people around when really I wasn't. Tom never complained and he was always upbeat. It is hard to imagine that Tom is gone. I will miss him.Bill Dinnin "
"I was always amazed how many friends Tom had. It's not surprising though, he had a great sense of humor combined with a business like can-do attitude. Tom was honest and easy going. I learned a lot from Tom. I shall miss him."
"It is with sincere sympathy that I write this note to the family. Tom is in a better place. God will provide the healing that you need.Blessings,Michelle"
"Mary, Just received news of your brother's death. He sounds like a beautiful person and I am sure he will add to the beauty of heaven now. They are lucky, huh? I am a big John Lennon fan too . Please know that we will be thinking of you and your family at this time. Our love and prayers are with you. "
"To all of the Family, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to all of you. I will always remember Tom as being a wonderful addition to humanity. You all have been such a big part of our family and I share your loss. My love and prayers are with you, Johana Fox White"
"Uncle Tom...I just keep picturing your big, round faced, dimply smile and your laugh that made your whole body jiggle! You are already greatly missed.Love,Megan and the Helmen family"
"My condolences and prayers to Mr. Bob and the family. I'm sorry that I will not be in town to visit personally but know that Tom and all of you are in my prayers.Wishing you Christ's Peace, Fr. Joe Rautenberg"
"Dear Mr. Alerding and family, I just learned of Thomas' death. Please accept my sympathy and know that you all are in my prayers and those of Sr. Theresa Peck, Sr. Josephine Tarquini, Sr. Gertrude Bastnagel, Sr. Vincent Honc and all those here in Evansville who love and cherish the memory of your wonderful family. Peace and love and prayers, Sr. Sharon"
"Say hello to Sister Irmagard. Tomcat, it was great to see you again at the 20 year reunion."
"Uncle Tom,I, too, can't stop picturing your big smile! You were always so attentive when I spoke with you and seemed genuinely interested in our lives. I appreciated your easy sense of humor as well! You are greatly missed by us all!"
"Dear Brother Tom,You were the heart and soul of the family. I just can't imagine not having you around. You always kept me in line with your straight on comments. Your nieces and nephews loved you more than you would ever know. Holidays, family gatherings, golf, fishing - all of those activities will forever invoke your memory for us all. They won't be the same.I love you, Tom, and I know you will keep on keeping me in line. One more thing - I will blame you for every time Cathedral loses to Chatard in anything, and you will just laugh.Love,Jim"
"Dear Uncle Tom,Please know that you will be sadly missed. I will forever remember your smile, laugh and jokes. You were the one that kept the laughter going at every family function. Your practical jokes will also be missed and forever remembered as well. You have set a great example for all of the Alerdings. We will be sure to pass on your legacy to our kids.May God Bless you!We Miss You greatly!Love, Laurie, John, Sean, Kiernan and Brendan"
"I remember Tom, 32 years ago, at Day Star Farm. While looking down at my newborn son, who was wrapped in a blanket in my arms, he sighed real big and said something like "wouldn't that be the perfect place to be, warm, safe and not a care in the world". Tom I think you are there! See you on the next side. Love, Terri and Jim Schultz"
"Tom I'll never forget the countless times i cleaned your apartment and everytime i would go it was so picked up that i hardly had anything to clean! I'll also never forget when we were at the YMCA on westfield for your movie you and my dad made ("Tom's Thanksgiving Adventure")- You had me, Claire, Robbie, and Beth ride our bikes around some lamp post and we had money and you stole it. I was so young though that i had no idea what you were doing i just went along and laughed really hard becuase you couldnt catch us and it took awhile for us to get it right. Love you Uncle Tom! Your the Best.-Ellen"
"Goodness, we're going to miss you."
"Mike and Jim,I am so very sorry to hear of your brother's death. When some dies at 54, it makes you want to ask, Why?. Only God knows the answer to that question.Please give our condolence to your other family members.You and your families are in our prayers.Stanley and Janet Clark"
"To Mike,I just learned today that your brother passed away. I did not have the opportunity to meet him, but having known you for the past five years, he must have been an EXCEPTIONAL man.My condolensces are with you and your family.Regards,Mike Wolinsky"
"Tom-You always made me smile and laugh with your great outlook on life and your funny stories. Everyone had much more fun when you were around. I am glad to have met you in our crazy teenage years in Palisades, you were an enthusiastic addition to the Soda Bar & Lodge. You will be missed greatly and I will now cherish our last time together and the picture we took together last September at "Wild Bill's" Bar. xoxo Give Colleen a big hug & kiss for me."
"Tom,Life will never be the same without you. I know that you are safe and happy in the arms of Mom, now, and that helps to ease the pain. I love you and miss you more than you can imagine. Your little sister, Peggy"