Thomas Drendel

1953 - 2016

Drendel, Thomas

Tom Drendel lost his battle with cancer on October 13, 2016 at home with his wife and two sons at his side. We rejoice that his struggle is over and that he is safe with the Lord, but we deeply grieve his loss from us.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday October 19, 2016 at Zion United Methodist Church, 2106 North Peach Avenue, Marshfield. Rev. Mike Carlson will officiate. Burial will be held at 12:00 noon Thursday October 20, 2016 at Rochester cemetery, Rochester, WI. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 pm Tuesday October 18, 2016 at Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home, 1010 E. Veterans Parkway, Marshfield and again from 10:00 am until the time of the service Wednesday at the church.

Tom was born on May 29, 1953 in Wheaton, IL to LeRoy and Jean (Besmer) Drendel. He graduated from Hinsdale Central High School, Arizona State University with a degree in Animal Science and a Master's Degree in Dairy Science from the University of Illinois. He worked for UW-Extension as an Agriculture Agent in Marinette and Jefferson Counties and as a feed consultant in Iowa. He became the Superintendent of the Marshfield Agricultural Research Station in 1985 and remained there until his retirement in 2009. He continued to work part-time at the Station for another year and then became a Safety Specialist with the National Farm Medicine Center. He completely retired in the spring of 2012. Tom married Laura Oldenberg on October 25, 1980 in Rochester, WI and they shared almost 36 wonderful years together.

Tom enjoyed being active in the community and his church, Zion United Methodist. He was a member of the noon Rotary Club for over 30 years and received their Service Above Self Award. Tom was very involved with MACCI as a member of the Dairyfest committee and Agri-Business Council. He was also a member of the Groundwater Guardians, served on the Board for St. Joseph's Hospital and the Trust Committee for ODC. Tom and Laura served as Drive Chairs for United Way and were Co-chairs for the Everett Roehl Marshfield Public Library capital campaign. At the time of his passing, Tom was on the Board of Directors for Heritage Bank and McMillan Warner Mutual Insurance Company.

For the past 15 years, Tom devoted time to his passion for the Civil War and became a member of the Civil War Trust, which allowed him to travel to many battlefields and study their history. He became a Civil War re-enactor, joining the 2nd Wisconsin, Company K as a private. The times spent "playing soldier" were some of his most treasured. As a Chicago area native, Tom was a devoted Bears, Cubs and Blackhawks fan. Living in Packer country was not always easy, but he wore his Bears colors with pride. Tom and Laura travelled extensively in the US, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and China.

Tom will be remembered for his love of life and learning, his infectious smile and tremendous sense of humor. He was a gentle leader, devoted friend, community servant and committed husband and father. He is survived by his wife, Laura, sons, Anthony of Berlin, Germany and Nathan of Bowling Green, OH. He is also survived by a sister, Linda Geds and nephews, Chris (LaDonna) Kolling and Brian (Julia) Kolling. He was predeceased by a daughter, Megan, in infancy and his parents.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Bseiso, Dr. Lawler and the staff of 8N at St. Joseph's Hospital for their wonderful care of Tom and his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to the Civil War Trust or the Marshfield Clinic for cancer research.