Thomas J. Kerkhoven

Thomas J. Kerkhoven, 86, of Davenport, died peacefully on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at MercyOne Genesis East, Davenport.

Funeral services and Mass of Christian Burial for Tom will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Davenport. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Davenport. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5 until 7 p.m. at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home with the rosary prayed at the conclusion followed by a time of sharing. Additional visitation will take place from 9:30 a.m. until Mass beginors on Thursday at St. Paul the Apostle. Memorials may be made to the Women’s Choice Center, DivineMercyProject.com, or Holy Family Parish, for a new ministry of helping vulnerable, senior citizens.

Thomas James Kerkhoven was born on April 21, 1940, in Lewisburg, Tennessee, to Peter and Elizabeth (Beemster) Kerkhoven. He graduated from St. Paul's. Catholic School, St. Ambrose Academy, and The College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. Tom was united in marriage to his beloved “Jude”, Judith Ann Sullivan on September 9, 1961, at St. Rosa Lima Catholic Church in Roseville, Minnesota. Judy preceded him in death on March 16, 2018, following 56 years of marriage.

Tom was a “presidential club” or top outside salesman for A.M. Castle Metals out of Chicago for over 38 years before retiring in 2005.

Tom was deeply devoted to his Catholic faith and was eager to share the Good News with others. After attending Cursillo, he and Judy’s faith was ignited anew. They served as a sponsor couple for those preparing for marriage in the Church and participated in a prison ministry. Tom wrote “Simon, a Call to Conversion,” giving copies to anyone interested, and was a Supernumerary member of Opus Dei. He enjoyed mentoring young men, including his grandsons, as they developed their faith. He also started a men’s book club for his contemporaries and, in later years, provided financial and prayerful support to two young men serving in FOCUS ministry. A strong advocate for life, he supported the Women’s Choice Center.

Tom was a bit of a Renaissance man, always busy with an interest or project. He enjoyed beekeeping, making wine, rebuilding a MG Midge, and landscaping. Earlier in life, he earned his pilot’s license.

On a micro level he enjoyed building and sharing two model railroad train communities with his children and grandchildren. But on the macro level he built homes in Blue Grass and Hampton and remodeled a home near Vander Veer Park and another near Duck Creek in Davenport, and was always willing to lend neighbors a hand with projects, big or small. A member of the Chordbusters, he later formed a quartet with Jim Oliger, Dick Rhode, and Larry Lyons. Tom had an impressive vocal range, and the quartet is now reunited in Heaven. He and Judy enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and abroad, and fun filled times with family and friends at their cabin and at their time share in Branson, MO. Tom especially loved being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren for holidays and birthdays, and Grandpa Tom was known for his grilled cheese and homemade pizzas.

Those left to honor his memory are his daughters: Maribeth (Mark) Green, Lynda Kerkhoven, all of Davenport, and Anne (Ryan) Moore, Bettendorf; grandchildren: Ryan (Valerie) Green, Megan Cowherd, Brandan (Samantha) Green, Kirstan (Keaton) Wanninger, Morgan Green, Joseph (Laura) Kerkhoven, Alex and Anika Kerkhoven, Grace, Odin, and Atticus Moore; great-grandchildren: Weston, Zander, Josie, Creed, Braylen, Bexley, Kinsley, Wyatt, and one on the way; a sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Hayes, New York; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Judy, Tom was preceded in death by their son, Jeffrey, his parents, and siblings: Margaret Reedy-Smith, Mary Jacobs, Helen Kellener, Robert Kerkhoven, Joan Granthman, and Geraldine Manley. May they rest in God’s eternal peace.

The Kerkhoven family would like to thank Tom’s spiritual director Sandy, his best friend, Jack, and all those that cared for him during his hospital and rehab care visits.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.hmdfuneralhome.com