Thomas "Tom" H. MacCall

Thomas Hutchinson MacCall of Moline, Illinois, passed away in the evening on Wednesday, February 9th. He was 80 years young.

A public visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 16th at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline.  The family has asked that all attendees wear a face mask. Celebration of Life and Interment at Moline Memorial Park will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lincoln Irving Elementary School Activity Fund, which supports programming and special activities for students, or the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley.

Tom was born in Monmouth, Illinois on June 2, 1941, to John Donald and Mary Jane Hoog MacCall. He eventually settled in Moline, where he met Suzanne Marie DeSmet. They wed on September 6, 1968 at South Park Presbyterian Church.

Tom led a fulfilling career as a sixth-grade teacher at Lincoln Irving Elementary School, where he taught for 33 years. He always looked for creative ways to engage students. Whether creating a shark unit, setting up a computer lab with early Apple computers, or designing a Harry Potter corner, he intuitively knew children’s interests by tapping into his own youthful spirit. Aside from being a teacher, Tom was a musician who performed concerts for those that knew him, mostly on the piano, harmonica, or trumpet. He was a “dad joke” enthusiast with a penchant for puns, and a brilliant architect of dollhouses.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Suzanne DeSmet MacCall; his children Benjamin MacCall (Belén Hurlé) of Silver Spring, MD, and Megan MacCall (Michael Overgard) of Philadelphia, PA; granddaughter Elyse MacCall of Silver Spring, MD; brothers John (Linda) MacCall of Moline; Robert MacCall of Grand Junction, CO; Julie Schumacher of Stockton, CA; Kathy (Gary) Qualls of Fort Lauderdale, FL; as well as many nieces and nephews, and his black and white pooch, Madeline. He was proceeded in death by his parents, and many of his dearest friends.

Profound thanks to Dr. Bouyella Reddy who extended Tom’s life by 25+ years through incredible medical care. Also, thanks to all who supported Tom, checked-in on him, made him laugh, and gifted him tasty treats.

Memories may be shared online by visiting Esterdahl.com. A recording of the service will be available on his obituary page at a later date.