Thomas Mitchell Buhnerkempe

Thomas Buhnerkempe Obituary

Thomas Mitchell Buhnerkempe, 59, of Queen - Creek passed away April 10, 2003 at Odyssey Hospice in Mesa, Arizona. He was born in Evanston, Illinois on July 18, 1943. Tom proudly served his country for four years in the U.S. Air Force. As an active member of the Knights of Columbus, he achieved the level of 4th degree in the Columbus Marcos De Niza Assembly and was a 3rd degree Knight with Bishop Granjon Council 4339. In December 2000, he retired from the City of Phoenix and moved with his wife to Queen Creek. A true craftsman, he built their "dream" home on two beautifully landscaped acres. Tom brought incredible joy to all who knew him. He leaves behind his loving wife of 36 years, Rosalie; two caring sons Tom and Eric; two supportive daughter-in-laws Connie and Tamra; four wonderful grandchildren, Scott, Corey, Vaughn, and Megan Rose; two brothers and sister-in-laws, Jerry and Jan, Mike and Donna and a host of other family and friends who are extremely proud to have known and learned from him. Visitation, Rosary and Mass will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church 20615 E. Ocotillo Queen Creek, AZ. Visitation will be Tuesday, 4/15/03, 5pm-7pm, Rosary at 7pm. Mass will be held Wednesday, 4/16/03 at 10am. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Odyssey Health Care, Inc. c/o Tom Buhnerkempe Memorial Fund, 6215 E. Arbor Avenue, Mesa, Arizona, 85206. Arrangements by: Family Burial Center 237 S. Sirrine Mesa, AZ 85210.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Apr. 14, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Buhnerkempe

16 Entries

Eric Schmucker

April 16, 2003

I can still hear his laugh and see his smile.When there were get togethers, Big Tom would say to me "Schmuck that shine on your head is blinding me!" Then he would give me a hug or shake my hand.I am going to miss Big Tom . He was a good friend .My prayers go out to the family.

Richard & Mary Helen Sanchez

April 15, 2003

Rosalie,

We always enjoyed the occasional visits with you and Tom--he always made us feel that we were so special to him. We have many fond memories of the trips you made to New Mexico and will keep him in our hearts forever.

Dominic, Yvonne, Brandon & Brittany Godinez

April 15, 2003

Well, I've spent almost an hour now, reminiscing and not writing. I practically grew up in the Buhnerkempe's home on 6th ave. Tom ,Rosalie, Tommy and Eric were a huge part of my childhood and I cherish every moment I spent with your family. I cant imagine your pain right now. I'm really sorry! I miss you all soo much.

Love Dom

Jaime Besemer

April 15, 2003

I want to add one more entry from myself. Although I did not see Tom & Rosalie as much as I should have, I know that when I did see Tom before he left, that meant more to me than I can put into words and I know deep down inside he knew I was there holding his hand. I feel a great comfort knowing that he is watching over me and my family. "Girls" when it is windy outside, it is Tom messing up our hair like he loved to do. I love you Tom. My love and prayers go out to Rosalie, Tom, Connie, Scott, Corey, Eric, Tamra, Vaughan and Megan.

Stacy, Taylor & Rj Schmucker

April 15, 2003

Tom was a great man who loved his family and those around him. He was like a second dad to me and no matter what I did he was always there for me with a big hug. Now I know he is watching over me and my kids. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Rosalie, Tom & Connie and kids, Eric & Tamra and kids.

Eric & Tamra Buhnerkempe

April 14, 2003

We sit here, not sure what to say, thousands of memories run through our heads. All are happy and joyous. Dad was full of life, living each day better than the next. He was always there ready to help everyone in need, never asking anything but love and friendship in return. Dad was proud of his family and loved to show them off. We each have something special that we will always remember. The "girls" in his life were never able to have a good hair day with him around, the tractor rides at the family gatherings for the kids or just plain sitting around the kitchen table chatting for hours. Whatever it may be, Dad will always live on in our hearts. We love him deeply and will miss him very much.

Joseph & Cecilia Bertoglio

April 14, 2003

We will all miss Tom. There was no one kinder than he and he will always be remembered by our family

Jan & Jerry Palmer

April 14, 2003

To the Buhnerkempe family. Tom will be missed deeply. He was a Big Teddy Bear, with a heart of Gold. All our Love to the Family

Mona & Robbie Galindo

April 14, 2003

Rosalie, I don't think there was a happier person other than me, being retired. A family member lost will be missed and cannot be replaced. I bet he is dancing a polka with grandma...

Kim & Chuck Beam

April 14, 2003

Tom, was a wonderful man with a huge heart. You always wanted to give him a big hug. He always helped everyone who needed it. His love for his family was great. He will be greatly missed by everyone.

Ellen Miller

April 14, 2003

Rosalie and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss.

"As you move from the lesser hurt of numbness to intense pain and back again, there is a blessed rhythm that seems to allow in only as much of the full pain as you can handle for that moment. As you go deeper and deeper into your pain, you will encounter persons, events, words, elements of creation that bring small, graced healings. Trust in this sacred rhythm; open yourselves to these occasions of grace. They are glorious gifts, gracious assistance for the journey through grief." Finding Your Way

Paul & Jaime Besemer

April 14, 2003

Tom was a wonderful, caring man and was a big teddy bear. He loved to mess up my hair! He made everyone smile and laugh. He was like a second father to both Paul and myself and he will always hold a special place in our hearts and memories. He is in a better place without pain and he is watching over us all with love. We will always love Tom. Our love and prayers are with Rosalie, Tom and Eric.

Joe Martin

April 14, 2003

When you look upward to the stars tonight, you may notice that they are a little brighter. You might also see that the moon is glowing more brightly now. The reason for this is simple. My brother-in-law and friend, Tom Buhnerkempe, has moved on to be with God and add his brightness with His into the heavens and beyond for eternity.

I feel truly blessed to have known him and will miss him dearly.

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