Thomas Carl Truebenbach

After a lifetime blessed by God and the love of family, Thomas “Tom” Carl Truebenbach, a pastor, photographer, and avid fisherman, entered into eternal life on the evening on October 6, 2024 at the age of 85 in Oconomowoc, WI. Tom is survived by his wife of 62 years, Pat, his three children, Carla (David) Ruch, Mary Beth (Tim) Popp and Michael (Sarabeth) Truebenbach. He is also survived by his sister Nancy (John) Nesbitt and his nine grandchildren, Benjamin, Mathew, Thomas, and Jonathan Ruch, Andrew, Aaron, and Abigail Popp, Aubrey and Joseph Truebenbach. Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Paul (Jan) Truebenbach.

Tom was born on September 29, 1939 in Green Bay, WI to his parents, Elda Adeline Bartz Truebenbach and Carl Paul Truebenbach. Tom grew up in both Green Bay and Milwaukee, before he attended Concordia High School and Concordia College in Milwaukee for 6 years. After attending Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, IN, he then attended Concordia Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, where he earned his Master of Divinity (MDiv) in 1966. After being ordained at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Green Bay, Tom received a Divine Call to serve as the pastor at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Ironwood, Michigan, where he served faithfully for two years. He then accepted a call to serve at his alma mater in the admissions department. Following their time in Milwaukee, Tom, Pat, and their children moved to the greater St. Louis area, where Tom managed the wedding business for Westrich photography studio.

In 1977, Tom made the decision to pursue full-time photography and fishing. He purchased Town and Country Studio, across from Lac La Belle in Oconomowoc, WI, where he worked until he retired in the early 2000s. Tom’s passion for photography continued through retirement, as he and Pat traveled to visit their grandchildren in Indiana, Missouri, and Virginia. Tom took great joy in being able to share his favorite fishing spots, love of the Green Bay Packers, and all of his best stories with his grandchildren. His greatest joy, though, was baptizing all 9 of his grandchildren.

A Celebration of Tom's life will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 4:00 PM with a visitation starting at 3:00 PM until time of service, all to take place at Pagenkopf Funeral Home in Oconomowoc.

Tom’s family rejoices in knowing that Tom has found rest in praising God in heaven for all eternity.

Memorials in Tom’s name may be made to Lutheran World Relief or Samaritan’s Purse