Thomas Edward Stautzenbach

Thomas Edward Stautzenbach of Hendersonville, NC, died with the sunrise on the morning of September 15, 2025, five weeks after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

Tom was born on May 13, 1965, in Arlington Heights, IL. In 1987, Tom received a Bachelor of Business Administration and in 1989 a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Hospital and Health Administration, all from the University of Iowa, forever a devoted Hawkeye.

Tom spent his entire career in the health care industry working directly with health care providers, initially in hospital management and consulting and then spending 31 years as the executive director of healthcare associations. Most recently, as the executive director and CEO of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPM&R).

23 years ago, Tom received the gift of life in the form of a living kidney donation from his wife's cousin, Stacie Baptist, enabling him to overcome Polycystic Kidney Disease. Tom treasured this second chance, living his life to the fullest with his family and dogs. Tom coached teams, attended games and events, hiked national parks, and traveled the world with the loves of his life, his wife and children.

After purchasing a home in 2020, Tom and his wife moved to the mountains of NC full time in mid-2024 and lived out their dream for the next 16 months, enjoying hiking, tubing, music, craft beer, wine, new friends, and frequent visits from family and old friends.

Tom is survived by his wife of 29 years, Jody Baptist Stautzenbach; son, Carter Briggs Sharp (Ashley), daughter, Mattie Jane Stautzenbach (betrothed to Jonah Gonczy); mother, Nancy Stautzenbach; brother, Steve Stautzenbach (Suzanne), sister, Susan Villanova (Joseph); and numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Edward George Stautzenbach III. Tom also leaves countless friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and colleagues. He will be sorely missed but remembered with love and a smile.

A celebration of life will be held at 3:30pm on November 1, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights, IL.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Polycystic Kidney Foundation at PKDCure.org, funding research for the treatment and cure for the disease that has impacted so many Stautzenbachs.