Thomas Schlichting, 76, of Davenport, Iowa, passed away peacefully at his home on July 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and close friends.

Funeral services and Mass of Christian Burial for Tom will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 7, 2026, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Davenport. Burial will be in the Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island with military honors. Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport with a time of sharing at the conclusion. There will be additional visitation on Friday at church from 9:30 a.m. until Mass begins.

Tom was born on September 15, 1949, in Davenport, a son of Charles William and Lucille Rose (Springer) Schlichting. He attended St. Anthony’s Grade School and graduated from Davenport Central High School in 1968 before enlisting the Navy. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War, stationed on the USS Ponchatoula and remained deeply proud of his service throughout his life. Like so many veterans of his generation, he carried both the pride and the lasting burdens of that service with dignity and courage.

Tom was united in marriage to Geraldine E. “Geri” Ritter on August 26, 1978, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Bettendorf. They have shared over 47 years of marriage together. Geri joined with Tom for eternity on July 30, 2026.

For 32 years, Tom worked as an electrician with R.G.S. Electric alongside countless friends and family members. He was known for his strong work ethic, dependability, and willingness to help others.

Outside of work, Tom loved cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears, spending time crappie fishing, and sharing stories with family and friends. He often joked that no one could fillet a fish better than he could—and those who watched him knew there was a lot of truth to that.

Tom was a man who never held grudges and never let hate take root in his heart. He believed in forgiveness, loyalty, and taking care of the people he loved. Even during his final days, he remained more concerned about his family than himself. He spent his last weeks surrounded by those he loved most, sharing stories, laughter, tears, and countless meaningful goodbyes.

To his children and grandchildren, he was a steady source of wisdom, resilience, and unconditional love. His greatest joy was seeing his family together. One of the greatest blessings of his final months was meeting and loving his granddaughter, Maisy Lucille, whose presence brought him immeasurable happiness and brought a special light to his final days.

He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Nick and Stacey, Chris and Emily, and Tommy and Marcy Schlichting, all of Davenport; grandchildren: Allison, Tyler, Lucy, Braeden, Ruby, Jonas, Thomas, and Maisy; his brothers and sisters; Jim Schlichting, Charles (Rhonda) Schlichting, Robert (Cathy) Schlichting, all of Davenport, Don (Donna Jo) Schlichting, Omaha, Nebraska, Rose Simmons, North Carolina, Nancy Busch, Davenport, and Alice Marks, San Diego, California and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends who will forever remember his kindness, humor, generous heart, and unwavering love for his family.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and brother, David and joined in Heaven by Geri days following his passing. May they rest in eternal peace.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the MercyOne-Genesis Hospice nurses, caregivers, friends, and loved ones who made it possible for Tom to remain at home, surrounded by love and comfort until the very end.