Thomas Emil "Tom" Frankenberg

Thomas "Tom" Emil Frankenberg, 82, Washington was welcomed into his home in Heaven on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, surrounded by his devoted wife and loving family.

Those we love don't go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and forever dear. It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of our most beloved Thomas Emil Frankenberg.

Born and raised in Washington, Missouri, Tom was the third child of nine children born to Frances (nee Voss) and Pete Frankenberg. After graduation from St. Francis Borgia High School in 1961, Tom answered his country's call to serve in Vietnam. During his deployment, he was awarded the Driver's Badge and earned the rank of Excellent Marksman and Expert Rifleman. Upon his Honorable Discharge, with the rank of Sergeant, on December 23, 1966, Tom was presented with the following honors: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

In 1967, Tom met his future bride, Shirley Otten, and on June 15, 1968, they were married at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Villa Ridge. Their love story spanned an incredible 57 years and together they built a family founded in faith, love, service, and joy. Traveling to far-off places, lounging at campfires, hosting chicken fries, and inviting loved ones to join in making apple butter, their marriage was filled with countless adventures and blessings. Their most precious blessings are four children, six grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

A man of strong character and deep faith, Tom lived his life guided by the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. Having served the first mass at Our Lady of Lourdes when he was a young boy, he continued his commitment to his church family as an usher and was a loyal volunteer in service to the Church community. Through the Knights of Columbus, Tom combined his duty to God and love for his country. He was awarded the 4th Patriotic Degree, reserved for those who are dedicated to demonstrating patriotism and active Catholic citizenship.

An immensely proud and steadfast volunteer with the Washington Volunteer Fire Company, Tom served with Section 4 for 58 years. Having received three-unit citations, he served with distinction as First Lieutenant and Quartermaster. Along with being recognized as Firefighter of the Year in 1986, he was honored with a Life Membership in 2021. In addition to these accomplishments, Tom showcased his deep devotion to safety and to the wellbeing of his neighbors by being an instrumental force in the construction of the Westlink Drive Training Center.

For 30 years, Tom mixed his strong work ethic and sense of humor as a favorite UPS delivery driver and received many safe driving awards during his career.

As a talented and brilliant woodworker, Tom enjoyed making gifts for his family to mark special occasions. The treasure chests, quilt racks, nativity sets, and crosses he made have become precious family heirlooms and serve as dear reminders of the memories he created. He enjoyed gardening and was always racing to see who would be the first to have a ripe tomato by the 4th of July. He also had a love for growing roses which brightened the eyes of those who received them.

Tom was a passionate pinochle player, the giver of the best tractor rides, and a trusted cookie taster. He had the best lap for snuggles, the strongest hands to help lift heavy loads, and had the wiggliest ears. He was courageous and brave in the face of hardship, compassionate and understanding in times of strife, and was quick to revel in all life's celebrations. He gave the best advice, the warmest hugs, and was the finest husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather in the world.

Tom is remembered for his steadfast faith in God, his dedicated service to his country and community, and as a devoted family man who loved them more than anything.

Tom is survived by his wife, Shirley Frankenberg; his four children, Mike (Natalie) Frankenberg, Marthasville, Chris (Steve) Kuchem, Augusta, Tracy (Todd) Gusé, Fulton, Denise (Dave Jr.) Busch, Washington; six grandchildren, Clint Smith (fiance Amy Pallen), Ben Frankenberg, Jonathan Kuchem, Jaimie (Tyler) Glidden, Rachel (Ryan) McLachlan, Matthew Gusé (fiance Brooke Fischer); one great-grandson, Nolan Thomas McLachlan; three sisters, Betty (Lloyd) Licklider of Cuba, Joan (Rich) Maune, Mary (Ken) Riegel; four brothers, Jim (Bonnie) Frankenberg, Ron (Linda) Frankenberg, Mark (Nancy) Frankenberg, Dan Frankenberg, all of Washington; many brothers- and sisters-in-law; nieces; nephews; cousins and friends.

Tom was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Frances and Aloysius (Pete) Frankenberg; brother Charlie Frankenberg; and his extended family members.

Oltmann Funeral Home provided funeral services that began with a Rosary at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, August 25.

Visitation followed from 3 to 8 p.m. Fire Department honors began at 7 p.m. and Knights of Columbus Honors took place at 8 p.m.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10 a.m., Tuesday, August 26, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Washington, with Rev. Mike Boehm officiating.

Burial with full military and fire department honors followed in St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church Cemetery, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The BackStoppers, Inc., Parkinson's Foundation, or to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.

The Frankenberg family was served by Oltmann Funeral Home, Union.