Beloved son, brother, husband, father, and grandpa, Thomas "Big Tom" Kackert Sr., was born June 16, 1951, in Chicago, and peacefully passed away at home November 28, 2023.

Big Tom had a big heart, did things in a big way, and would do anything for the people he loved. He's best described as being strong willed, spontaneous, adventurous, hardworking, creative, rebellious, wild, and one of a kind. He was a self-taught motorcycle enthusiast with a deep passion for building custom bikes from the frames up and entering them in shows and walking away with trophies. He took great pride in his work and kept things immaculate—like his garage where he spent so much time. In his younger days he'd go to Daytona Bike Week or on camping road trips. His family attended churches such at St. Bonaventure, St. Alphonsus, and St. Bede.

He drove a truck for many years of his life. Thomas' most passionate career was driving truck for R.W. Dunteman, which gave him purpose in life. He loved driving and keeping his vehicles and trucks clean as a whistle, while working all the overtime he could. While being mechanically inclined, he also loved woodworking and pursued many projects with creativity. Thomas was a person who could walk in a room and have all eyes on him—he would steal any show. In 1989, he was in a movie with Tom Selleck called, An Innocent Man. A few places he loved traveling with his family were Florida and Arizona. We can say he'll be unforgettable.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Eleanor Kackert (nee Schmit); children, Thomas (Victoria) Kackert and Jacqueline (Joshua) Westadt; grandchildren, Kendall Kackert, Katelynn Kackert, and Jaxon Westadt; siblings, Mary Anne Ouimet, Sharon (the late Bill) Morris, Thomas (Linda) Schmit, and Judy (the late Mathias) Schmit; uncle, Jack (the late Betty) Ahern; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Jean (nee Veskauf) and Bernard Kackert; and many aunts, uncles, and brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Visitation will be Monday, December 4, from 4-8 p.m., at Hamsher Lakeside Funerals & Cremations, 12 N. Pistakee Lake Rd., Fox Lake.  Visitation will resume Tuesday, December 5, from 9-9:30 a.m. at the funeral home.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., at Our Lady of the Lakes-St. Bede Church, 36455 N. Wilson Rd., Ingleside.  Interment will be in Maryhill Cemetery, Niles.