Photo courtesy of Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory - Ballwin
Feb 15, 1958 - Feb 16, 2025
We are deeply saddened by the loss of your Husband and Father. Words fail to express our deep sorrow. We hope the love that surrounds you and your beautiful & fun memories bring you peace. With Heartfelt Sympathy and Prayers,
The Panzitta Family
February 28, 2025 | Wildwood, MO
What can we say about the loss of a man as gregarious and creative such as Tom . He was always such a positive and heartfelt man. When you conversed with Tom you always felt as if you two were the only two people in the room as you had his full attention. Our hearts go out to Maura and Marrisa. Tom will be dearly missed by many.
John & Polly
February 28, 2025 | Ballwin, MO | Friend
My husband and I met Tom years ago through a mutual friend. We lost touch for a while then reconnected a couple of years later. A wonderful fellow, funny, loved his family and just had a way of making a person feel like a lifelong friend even if you had just met. Deepest condolences to his family. He is in the arms of God resting comfortably and watching over his loved ones. Maybe even catching a fish or two.
Sarah and Mike N
February 25, 2025 | St. Louis, MO | Acquaintance
What a great person and friend Tom was. Have many great memories of Tom. Condolences to Maura and Marissa.
Brad Linda Erica Sam Peters
February 21, 2025 | Johns Island, SC | Friend
“To live in hearts we leave behind is to never die”* Tom touched so many with his kindness, energy, humor, stories, joke telling, and music that his memory will live on in so many people’s hearts! We love you Tom and we'll miss you. Thank you for all the great memories.
Maura/Marissa, may God bless and comfort you two. We love you!
(*quote by Thomas Campbell)
Matt & Barb Schenck
February 20, 2025 | FENTON, MO | Family
To know him is to love him. The angels gained a good one. I am so sorry Maura and Marissa.
Maura you were amazing to Tom. You allowed him to have a peaceful passing. He went out in style. Tom Lem style no pain, because of you he kept his dignity, he was so comfortable and taken care of. I’m so proud of you.
He is greatly missed. That’s my bro. We will keep him alive in our hearts and our memories. There are many stories to be told. My heart goes out to Maura and Marissa. ...
Mia Hanrahan
February 20, 2025 | Fenton, MO | Sister
There is no greater father, friend or husband than Tom. The minute you met Tom you loved him. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed help. I will forever remember our kareoke night at Leo's bar in St. Charles. Very scary place but we all got to sing and dance with Tom singing "Johnny Be Good" . That song will go down in history with Tom. We will miss your funny stories and God willing there are no BULLS in heaven. If there are- shoot them this time. : ). Love you Tom
Vance and Gee Vigna
February 20, 2025 | O FALLON, MO | Friend
To know Tommy, is to LOVE Tommy!!!!
Zeporah Butler
February 20, 2025 | Florissant, MO | Coworker
Thomas A Lem passed away peacefully at age 67 on February 16, 2025 surrounded by the love of his family after a 28-month battle with brain cancer.
He leaves behind a family who adored him, including his loving wife, Maura Lem (Nee Schenck), of 44 years together and cherished daughter, Marissa Lem, who was his pride and joy, along with countless amazing friends he called family, and father, sister and brother in-laws, nieces, nephews, plus a large and close Italian family of cousins who will all forever treasure his humor, generosity and unforgettable presence. Tom was preceded in death by his mother, father, mother-in law, aunts, uncles, several cousins and friends and favorite dog. He deeply missed them all.
A man of genuine kindness, Tom had a rare gift to make anyone laugh, bringing joy to every room he entered. Beyond his quick wit he had a heart that put others first, always showing up for those who needed him. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone, never hesitating to help a friend, a neighbor, or even a stranger.
Tom was a man of many talents and passions. Truly one of a kind no words are able to describe. A gifted singer and songwriter with a song published and many songs and jingles played on St Louis stations, he filled the air with music just as he filled hearts with laughter. He was an incredible storyteller, comedian, dancer, cook, a skilled “Missouri Big Buck” hunter and competitive fisherman organizing annual trips with friends, and a sharp pool player who rarely lost a game. He showed up and was the biggest and loudest fan at every single event for Marissa, cheered passionately for the Cardinals and Blues and loved Super Bowl Sundays. His favorite vacations included a blue ocean with white sand accompanied by friends and family. He put 110% into everything he did including 42 years of dedication as director of maintenance at Chesterfield Villas where he made sure “his building” and all the residents were well cared for and loved. Above all, Tom was someone who made life richer for everyone lucky enough to know him.
While his absence leaves an ache in our hearts, we find comfort in the laughter he gave us, the love he shared, and the memories that will live on forever. A visitation will be held on February 28th from 4-8 pm at Schrader Funeral Home, 14960 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011 where we will gather to share stories and honor the incredible man he was. Funeral services will be held on March 1st at 11:00 am at Ascension Catholic Church, 230 Santa Maria Dr., Chesterfield, MO 63005. Burial services will follow the mass at Bellerive Gardens Cemetery, 740 N Mason Rd, Creve Coeur, MO 63141.
In lieu of flowers, you can honor Tom by lending a helping hand to someone in need or simply making someone smile - just as he did every day. Donations can also be made in his memory to the Glioblastoma Foundation to support research and help others facing this disease: https://glioblastomafoundation.org/get-involved/donate.
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