Obituary for Thomas E. "Tom" Fabitz
Thomas “Tom” E. Fabitz of Kewaskum, WI passed away peacefully on November 30, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones after a courageous two-year battle with pancreatic and liver cancer. He was born on July 8, 1945, in Milwaukee to Edward and Mary “Irene” (nee Gilford) Fabitz.
After Tom attended Rufus King High School in Milwaukee, he worked at Kohl’s Food Store and later took his talents to Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC) where he worked for more than 34 years. Tom and his wife, Carol, settled in West Bend, WI in 1972. He attended Good Shepard Lutheran Church for many years and was active with the church while his girls attended grade school. While in West Bend in the early years, Tom was a volunteer firefighter and worked as a superintendent at the Washington County Memorial Park, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Later, Tom and his wife moved to Kewaskum, WI where he spent the rest of his years. There they joined St. Lucas Lutheran Church where he almost never missed a service, and enjoyed attending many Christmas Eve services while watching his grandchildren sing.
Although he retired, he couldn't sit idle and took on a part-time role of lot attendant at Gordie Boucher in West Bend. Tom took great pride in spending his time volunteering with The Wisconsin 9-11 Memorial & Education Center as a founder with one of his best friends, Gordon Haberman and family. As an American Legion Post 384-member, Tom lead his post in numerous meetings and parades.
A natural-born caretaker, Tom was meticulous about his gardening and bird-watching, even taking home a “Mayor Beautification Award.” Tom was always very cautious about the safety of his loved ones and would always go the extra-mile to lend a helping hand whether you liked it or not! He was an avid animal lover and had many beloved pets over the years. Tom loved to attend live music with his wife and enjoyed listening to new bands. You could find him at his favorite store, Menards, or enjoying a fish fry and a cold brew. Known to many as “The Big Cheese,” Tom was an avid Packer fan and never missed an opportunity to rep the team, even befriending many players!
Being a devoted Christian, Tom found his calling and knew heaven was his home. We love you and will miss you dearly, Dad! Give Grandma Fabitz a hug for all of us and please eat lots of donuts.
Tom is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol (nee Hein), 3 children: Cindy (Joe) Noel, Andrea Daniel, Jennifer (Jody) Kertscher and 5 grandchildren: Cory Waldoch, Elizabeth Daniel, Joshua and Kathryn Kertscher, and Emma Konig. He is survived by his siblings Dorothy (Richard) Schuetz, Christine (David) Paape, Daniel (Cathy) Fabitz, and John Fabitz; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his grandparents, Isadore and Anna (nee Gonnering) Fabitz of Milwaukee, WI.
A special thank you to Dr. Susan Tsai at the VA/Froedert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, Dr. John Burfeind and the team at the Froedert Kramer Cancer Center, and the excellent care provided while in ICU at Froedert West Bend Hospital. We appreciate all of the compassionate, loving, and tender care of our Dad.
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, December 05, 2023, at 1 p.m. at St. Lucas Lutheran Church, 1417 Parkview Dr., Kewaskum, WI, with Pastor Timothy Henning presiding. The family will greet visitors on Tuesday at the church from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to The Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial & Education Center and St. Lucas Lutheran Church & School are appreciated.
https://www.wisconsin911memorial.com/donate/
https://www.stlucaswels.org/donate
Tom will be laid to rest at Lutheran Memorial Park in Kewaskum, WI.
After Tom attended Rufus King High School in Milwaukee, he worked at Kohl’s Food Store and later took his talents to Outboard Marine Corporation (OMC) where he worked for more than 34 years. Tom and his wife, Carol, settled in West Bend, WI in 1972. He attended Good Shepard Lutheran Church for many years and was active with the church while his girls attended grade school. While in West Bend in the early years, Tom was a volunteer firefighter and worked as a superintendent at the Washington County Memorial Park, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Later, Tom and his wife moved to Kewaskum, WI where he spent the rest of his years. There they joined St. Lucas Lutheran Church where he almost never missed a service, and enjoyed attending many Christmas Eve services while watching his grandchildren sing.
Although he retired, he couldn't sit idle and took on a part-time role of lot attendant at Gordie Boucher in West Bend. Tom took great pride in spending his time volunteering with The Wisconsin 9-11 Memorial & Education Center as a founder with one of his best friends, Gordon Haberman and family. As an American Legion Post 384-member, Tom lead his post in numerous meetings and parades.
A natural-born caretaker, Tom was meticulous about his gardening and bird-watching, even taking home a “Mayor Beautification Award.” Tom was always very cautious about the safety of his loved ones and would always go the extra-mile to lend a helping hand whether you liked it or not! He was an avid animal lover and had many beloved pets over the years. Tom loved to attend live music with his wife and enjoyed listening to new bands. You could find him at his favorite store, Menards, or enjoying a fish fry and a cold brew. Known to many as “The Big Cheese,” Tom was an avid Packer fan and never missed an opportunity to rep the team, even befriending many players!
Being a devoted Christian, Tom found his calling and knew heaven was his home. We love you and will miss you dearly, Dad! Give Grandma Fabitz a hug for all of us and please eat lots of donuts.
Tom is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol (nee Hein), 3 children: Cindy (Joe) Noel, Andrea Daniel, Jennifer (Jody) Kertscher and 5 grandchildren: Cory Waldoch, Elizabeth Daniel, Joshua and Kathryn Kertscher, and Emma Konig. He is survived by his siblings Dorothy (Richard) Schuetz, Christine (David) Paape, Daniel (Cathy) Fabitz, and John Fabitz; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his grandparents, Isadore and Anna (nee Gonnering) Fabitz of Milwaukee, WI.
A special thank you to Dr. Susan Tsai at the VA/Froedert & The Medical College of Wisconsin, Dr. John Burfeind and the team at the Froedert Kramer Cancer Center, and the excellent care provided while in ICU at Froedert West Bend Hospital. We appreciate all of the compassionate, loving, and tender care of our Dad.
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, December 05, 2023, at 1 p.m. at St. Lucas Lutheran Church, 1417 Parkview Dr., Kewaskum, WI, with Pastor Timothy Henning presiding. The family will greet visitors on Tuesday at the church from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to The Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial & Education Center and St. Lucas Lutheran Church & School are appreciated.
https://www.wisconsin911memorial.com/donate/
https://www.stlucaswels.org/donate
Tom will be laid to rest at Lutheran Memorial Park in Kewaskum, WI.