Thomas Michael Ostling

Thomas Michael Ostling, 56,

Thomas Michael "Tom" Ostling passed away in Lakeland, Florida on Tuesday, January 7, 2020 of natural causes, at age 56.

He was born in Framingham, Massachusetts on February 23, 1963 and adopted through Catholic Charities as an infant by his loving parents Laurence William and Constance Annette Ostling (nee Pruitt) and two very excited siblings. His early years were spent playing in the woods and lakes of Holden & Lake Lashaway Massachusetts,  where at age 1 he became an older brother, and at age 2 became a brother again. And in the blink of an eye, Tom became a middle child.  By the time he started school his family had moved to Mt. Prospect, Illinois,where he attended St. Raymond elementary school & Prospect HS. He was a most gentle and kind soul, wrote beautiful letters to loved ones, and made new friends with lightning speed on his daily walks.  Tom would visit nursing homes and hospitals to bring smiles to strangers, and Santa Tom appeared each Christmas to hand out gifts under the tree. His love of animals was evident from an early age, and remained a passion throughout his life.

After a 20-year career in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, Tom followed his dream of living in Florida. He soon made good friends in his chosen city, Lakeland, where he shared his home with his beloved dog, Groucho. 

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by siblings, Kathy Stalker of Madison, WI, Larry (Terry) Ostling of Lake Barrington, IL, Linda (Kevin) Quill of Glenview, IL, and Jim (Cecilia) Ostling of Mt. Prospect, Illinois. His family, including his 15 nieces and nephews, will greatly miss his big heart & beautiful smile.

A memorial service will be held at the funeral home Friday, January 24th at 11:00 a.m.. More detailed information is available below this obituary announcement. 

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