Thomas Michael Hapeman, born on November 8, 1972, in St. Louis, MO died unexpectedly on October 16, 2025, at his home in DeKalb, IL.

Tom was a blessing to his family and friends and will be forever greatly missed. He lived his life with a deep sense of social justice and a passion for music. He studied at Kishwaukee College and Northern Illinois University where he performed as a percussionist in the world-renowned NIU Steel Band. Friends and family knew him as extremely loyal, reliable, intelligent, and friendly. Tom worked as an information technologist at NIU. He was a lover of animals, especially his cats, and enjoyed adventures in nature with his fiance and best friend Mandy Cox Glasener.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence B. Hapeman, and his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Tom is survived by his mother Jane Hapeman (Chuck Lupinski), his fiance Mandy Cox Glasener, his beloved cats Eddie, Alice, and Elvis, his brother Tim Hapeman (Allison), his sister Julie Hapeman, his nephews Lawrence, Calvin, Samson, and Amos, many cousins, aunts, uncles, and close friends who were like family.

A memorial service will be held on October 25, 2025, at First United Methodist Church, 2501 N Annie Glidden Rd, DeKalb, IL 60115. Visitation at 10:00 am, service at 11:00 am, light lunch to follow. To honor Tom's memory, please consider wearing a t-shirt from your favorite band, Star Trek gear, or anything that reminds you of Tom.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in Tom's name to the Lawrence B. Hapeman scholarship fund at NIU. Gifts to the family can be made via Finch Funeral Home. Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.