Tom was born on January 28, 1932, in Rochelle, IL to Paul and Hoyt (Harrison) Flanders. He graduated from Walnut High School in 1950. Tom graduated from Monmouth College with a degree in physics. He also served his country in the United States Marines as a pilot. On October 2, 1954, he married Nancy Forsyth in Des Moines, Iowa. Tom was employed as an engineer in the food industry and worked for many years for the Beatrice Food Company. He enjoyed sailing, bird watching, international traveling, and scuba diving. He was also a Master Gardener.

He is survived by his wife Nancy; daughters, Roberta Flanders, Woodridge, IL, Leslie (Richard) Balcerak, Vero Beach, FL, Stacy (Harold) Dunbar, Vonore, TN; granddaughters, Kelly and Jillian Dunbar. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-father Theodore “Jim” Fisher and an infant son.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future time.

As an expression of sympathy, you may wish to consider memorials to the Janesville Rotary Gardens. http://www.rotarybotanicalgardens.org/

The Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, WI is assisting the family, www.nitardyfuneralhome.com