Thomas Eugene Nibbelin, 59, of East Peoria, IL passed away on February 22 from cardiac arrest. Born July 16, 1964, in Peoria, Illinois, the youngest son of the late Ralph and Gladys (Hoffman) Nibbelin, Thom grew up in nearby Chillicothe.

A 1982 graduate of Illinois Valley Central High School, Thom participated in several sports, particularly excelling in golf. His time studying acting, writing, and geography at University of Wisconsin – Madison influenced the rest of his life. After graduation, he continued in acting both academically and professionally including engagements in Greece and Romania. He did writing and video production for the Peoria Journal Star, WHOI-TV, and Insight Media (cable). Thom even produced and directed a full-length documentary titled “The Pull”.

Tom was a lover of people, sports, and the environment. Among his favorite sports were baseball, basketball, and football. At the college level he followed the Badgers and the Braves while the Cardinals, Bucks, and Bears filled his professional sports slots. Always up for an adventure and learning, Thom spent his later years in India, China, Cambodia, and Thailand teaching English, engaging with people, and sampling wonderful food.

Thom is survived by his three brothers: Mark (Jodi) of Normal, IL; Michael (Kay) of Bloomington, IL; and Timothy (Meghan) of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by 11 nieces and nephews: Daniel and Amanda Nibbelin; Kaitlyn and Kelsey Nibbelin; and Esther, David, Selah, Ira, Eli, Rebekah, and Abigail Nibbelin.

Extended family members include Uncles/Aunts: Warren (Sandy) Hoffman of Dunlap, IL; Gary (Lois – deceased) Phillips of East Moline, IL; and Russell (Laura – deceased) Stokes of Peoria, IL. Various cousins and families include Jeff, Jim, Jill and Janice; Steven and David; Jon and Julia; and Andrew and Lisa. He is also survived by his cousin Bobby’s wife, Vicky Friederich, and their family.

He was preceded in death by grandparents Louis and Esther (Hauk) Hoffman and Charles and Ann (Hibberd) Nibbelin. In addition to various uncles and aunts listed previously, he was preceded in death by Glenn Hoffman, Robert and Marilyn (Nibbelin) Friederich and one cousin, Robert “Bobby” Friederich.

Cremation rites have been granted. No funeral service is planned; however, a celebration of life will be announced at a future date.

Dear Thom – we realize the above could never meet your writing standards. But we did the best we could.

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