Obituary of Thomas Walter Cowan

Thomas Walter Cowan, 70, peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 20^th, 2021, at home surrounded by his family after a thirty-year battle with cancer. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, respected businessman, and a Christian.

Tom, the fifth of nine siblings, was born on September 8^th, 1951, in Crookston, Minnesota to John and Mary Cowan. His family moved to Mount Prospect, Illinois while he was in grade school. He graduated from Prospect High School in 1969 where he met his future wife, Jan Donovan. They married in 1973 while attending Southern Illinois University.

At the age of ten, Tom got his first job and started to develop one of his best qualities – his strong work ethic. From that day on, he worked hard and mentored many along the way. His career in the steel industry culminated in decades of accomplishments and meaningful relationships.

There was always room for fun and adventure. He loved fishing, hunting, riding his Harley, golfing, restoring classic cars, and most of all spending time with his family. His greatest joy was being a grandfather. He was known as Papa to his eight grandchildren. They all adored him, and he will be dearly missed.

Survived by his wife of 48 years, Jan Cowan; children Erin Schindler (Jay), Patrick Cowan (Jamie), Allison Saer (Jamie); grandchildren Kendall, Cole, and Paige Schindler, Reagan, Camryn, and Holden Cowan, and Donovan and Stella Saer; sister Diane Cowan; brothers Ron and Jerome Cowan; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations be sent to The Wounded Warrior Project or The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

A celebration of his life will be held at Willow Creek Community Church Chapel B in South Barrington, Illinois on Saturday, December4^th. The visitation will be at 10 AM followed by the service at 11 AM.