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BECKER RITTER ELMBROOK FUNERAL HOME

14075 W. North Ave.

Brookfield, Wisconsin

Thomas Riepenhoff Obituary

Riepenhoff, Thomas P. Entered Eternal Life on March 2, 2015 at 7:25 p.m. surrounded by family and friends. Tom courageously battled cancer for the last 3 of his 60 years. He was born on December 11, 1954. Tom was preceded in death by his parents Louis A. Riepenhoff and Geraldine O'Sullivan Riepenhoff, as well as his brother Robert M. Riepenhoff. Tom is survived by a host of relatives and friends including his sister Mary Lou (Bill) Stauber, niece Jennifer (William) Francis, sister-in-law Elise Riepenhoff, nephews Robert (Kathryn Malin) Riepenhoff and children, John Riepenhoff, and Joseph (Marisa) Riepenhoff and twins, special friend Sara Radcliffe, Aunt Betty O'Sullivan, O'Sullivan cousins, and Walling cousins. Tom retired from GE Healthcare in December, 2014 after 24 years of service in electronic systems and products. For the last 7 years, he was an instructor on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment. Students from all over the world attended his classes, where he shared his expertise with respect to the latest healthcare technology. Tom truly enjoyed providing students with the knowledge necessary to keep GE equipment functioning worldwide. Tom would say the part of his job that he enjoyed the most was the opportunity to meet people from all over the world. Tom was also passionate about music and was an accomplished musician. A 1973 graduate of Wauwatosa East High School, Tom graduated at the top of his class from the Milwaukee Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor of Arts degree in jazz guitar. He played music with a variety of groups including the Moonlighters, Rocket 88, and the Doo-Wop Daddies. He was also actively involved in Irish Fest, where he volunteered and entertained as Tom O'Sullivan. A memorial gathering will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, March 7, from 3 PM until the time of service at 4:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission or the Irish Community and Heritage Center (ICHC) would be appreciated.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Mar. 5 to Mar. 6, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Riepenhoff

Sponsored by BECKER RITTER ELMBROOK FUNERAL HOME.

Not sure what to say?





Jan Halonen

December 13, 2024

Thinking of you on your birthday. December 11th. Peace Tom

Tim Casey

February 9, 2023

Tom, you were a true friend and mentor. We attended so many performances. You are loved. We wish we could have connected again. God love you. We do. Tim & Pam Casey

fans :)

J Tzakis

August 14, 2015

:)

J Tzakis

August 14, 2015

Good Ol Rocket 88!

J Tzakis

August 14, 2015

Christine Finn

March 16, 2015

I hope you start up a band with Steve Chandler. We can't wait to hear great rock n roll!

Jean Newman

March 13, 2015

I remember meeting Tom when he first started with Rocket 88. He was a wonderful guitar player and you could tell he loved what he was doing. I also remember him when he was with the Rockafellers and Doo Wop Daddies.I'm glad I got to have a few conversations with him. He was such a nice man. My condolences.

Jalaine Glunt

March 9, 2015

Jalaine Glunt

March 9, 2015

Jalaine Glunt

March 9, 2015

Jalaine Glunt

March 9, 2015

Jalaine Glunt

March 9, 2015

Jalaine Glunt

March 9, 2015

Jalaine Glunt

March 9, 2015

Jalaine Glunt

March 9, 2015

Jalaine Glunt

March 9, 2015

Jalaine Glunt

March 9, 2015

Jalaine Glunt

March 9, 2015

It truly saddens my heart that Tom has passed, but Im thankful for the times we shared together. I first met Tom when he played with The Trend Band. My friends & I were going out to see Tom Green(Elvis) sing on Halloween of 1986, & the Trend Band was backing him that nite. I was so impressed with Tom's guitar playing, he sure knew how to make it sing, along his own wonderful voice. Soon Tom & I became friends after that. We'd go out to eat & to a movie once in a while. I also enjoyed Tom's Irish music. I recorded Tom O'sullivan & Brian Leahy at the Ground Round on my boombox 3-15-87,which I still have today. Tom & I went to see Madonna perform the summer of 87 in Chicago. I got tickets, & we sat in the 2nd row! We had an awesome time. After that I married & moved out of state,but I still kept in contact with Tom. I'd go see him play in whatever band he was in at the time, on home visits when I could.I've been fortunate to be able to see Tom perform through his musical career with The Trend, The Rockerfellers, Rocket88, The Doo-Wap Daddies, & twice at Irish Fest.Tom was an awesome person & entertainer. He will always hold a special place in my heart.

David VerHage

March 9, 2015

I knew Tom as an Instructor, a Musician and friend. I miss him greatly.

My heartfelt sympathies to the family and those closest to Tom.

Ginni Smith

March 8, 2015

Tom was such a great guitarist and also a really nice person. I worked with him in FULL CIRCLE many years ago. But I have thought of himoften since then. I still will be thinking of you Tom..and our good times.

March 7, 2015

Condolences to the family and friends of Tom Riepenhoff. Tom was an extraordinary man of many talents. I really enjoyed his performances with the DooWop Daddies. Judith Free, a fan

March 7, 2015

Chuck and I were very sad to hear of Tom's passing. He has been in my prayers for a long time and now I willI pray for his family. He was a great musician and Chuck was very proud to play with him any chance he could. Now he is in rock N roll heaven and he is pain free. Donna & Chuck Travis

Barry Bryan

March 7, 2015

Remembered Tom was with us a short time in the nineties when we were playing at Truman's on Appleton ave. He was a perfectionist on the guitar. He will be greatly missed by his listeners. RIP

Scott Tellen

March 7, 2015

My heartfelt sympathies to the family and those closest to Tom.

I first met Tom just as he was beginning his "Rocket 88" days and I was doing sound mixing.

It was at one of his very first gigs with the band at "Lombardi's" that he performed his own interpretation of "Sleepwalk" and I can remember thinking to myself...."now that was pretty tasty!"

Years later I was fortunate enough to be re-united with Tom and enjoy his music again at several of his performances with the "Doo-Wop Daddies".

It would be my wish that those closest to Tom would take some comfort in knowing the joy that his musical gift has provided through all these years to both his fans and fellow musicians alike.

Rock on, "Tom-Cat" and thank you for all the good times you gave us!

Meg Flynn

March 7, 2015

The world has lost a great talent and amazing mind. I will remember the fun times we had, especially being my partner in modern dance class! Rest in peace Tom.

LEE STEFFENS

March 7, 2015

Tom was a man of many talents He sure knew his music theory when it came to those FUNKY JAZZ CHORDS..............i will miss you

Rick Leach

March 6, 2015

Tom was one of the most unique people I have ever met, so calming, peaceful, kind, and thoughtful of other people. He was so interesting to talk with, had deep philosophical views of life, and seemed to care about other people and try to make the world a better place. I will never forget the things Tom did for me without being asked when he noticed I was in need. Tom, you DID make the world a better place. Dear God, I will miss you.

Jody Bourassa

March 6, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with Tom's family and friends. An incredible man with a fantastic sense of humor and smile. I have so many wonderful memories of Tom. He will always be in my heart. Peaceful rest until we meet again

Susan Meyers

March 6, 2015

Mary Lou, It was when you were my teacher that I started to listen to Tom play in a band. I followed his music career. What a nice man, he captivated me! My sympathy.

Bruce Cole

March 6, 2015

Rest in peace Tom

Melanie Linneman

March 6, 2015

My payers are with your family Tom. I always loved your music when you sang with the doo- wop daddies and Rocket Eighty eigh I will miss you Tom.

March 6, 2015

Please accept my deepest condolences on Tom's passing. He was one of the gentlest men on the planet and he will be sorely missed by many people from all walks of life.
I worked with Tom in both Rocket 88 and the Doo-Wop-Daddies and always had a great time playing music with him. A warm, wonderful person with a great sense of humor and musical chops to match.
The world could use more like him.
Rest peacefully, amigo. Sam McCue

Vicki Koch

March 6, 2015

Tom, you were a very special person to me. Through the years, we created many memories which I will cherish forever. You were a kind, loving and caring person who had a passion to live life to the fullest in which you did. Rest in peace my dear friend. Gone but you will never be forgotten

Bob & Gloria Jean Siegel-Howe

March 6, 2015

Tom was a great musician and we got to know him through the DOO WOP DADDIES. He also knew a good friends of ours Ar Kriegel from THE RICHOCHETTES. RIP Tom and know that you gave so much pleasure to so many music lovers. Welcome to Rock N' Roll Heaven! You will be missed.

Neil Gifford

March 5, 2015

I will never forget the wonderful time I had with Tom the last time I saw him. We were telling old band stories & laughing until we both had tears in our eyes. I will definitely miss his sense of humor. To his family, friends, fans, & everyone who loved him: You have my deepest & most sincere condolences. Rest in peace, old friend. Neil Gifford

March 5, 2015

Tom will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers to all his family and friends. May we meet again some day, Steve Chandler(Piano player for Rocket) and Tom are setting the stage for all of us to meet again some day. Rest in peace.

March 5, 2015

Tony and I had the great honor of knowing Tom! Our sympathy to his family! Tony & Mary Clementi

March 5, 2015

We will always remember Tom fondly and have lasting memories of times spent with him over the years. He leaves behind a wonderful family and many friends, and we know you will all be a great source of comfort and support to one another. Thanks for the memories, Tom. Rest in peace.
Dale and Barbara Driscoll

MARIA SANTOY

March 5, 2015

we are so sadden knpwn tom since rockett 88 days, he was the best guitarist and he wil be misedmissed, rest in pece tom with all the great muscians there

Susie Koehler

March 5, 2015

One of the absolute best guitar players - you filled our lives with years of fun and great music. Tom, you will be missed and thought of often.

Jeff Dalton

March 5, 2015

I had the privilege to have worked with Tom for several years and he was always willing to help if he could. He will be truly missed and I offer my condolences to his family and will keep all in my prayers.

Marlena Tzakis

March 5, 2015

Tom I met u when I was only a teenager and you were in the best band Rocket 88. Those memories are some of the best if my life!!! Thank you for those and the amazing guitar and dancing that came along with it! I will cherish those times forever!!! You were taken way too soon but I hope you are finally pain free. RIP TOM CAT

Jerrilynn Tzakis

March 5, 2015

Very sad- Tom was one of the best guitar players I've ever had the privilege to know and watch. Now he's playing for the audience in heaven . We will.miss u!

Thomas Sorce

March 5, 2015

Tom,enjoyed listening to you. played better Chuck Berry than Chuck Berry. RIP
Tom Sorce

Daniel Bellinger

March 5, 2015

When I came out of the Field and started working at the GE Online Center, I remember sitting with Tom during my training. He was working a little extra each day so he could slip out early on Friday... to play with his band. We continued to work together for several years and I have very fond memories of him and those times. Please know that he is and will be missed.

Anthony Chmiel

March 5, 2015

Tom I enjoyed working with you in the mobile van yard at GE, we had some great conversations. I also enjoyed your St. Patrick's gig and your music. You will be missed, your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Anthony Chmiel

March 5, 2015

Tom I enjoyed my time working with you in the MRI mobile van yard at GE, we had some great conversations. I also enjoyed your Irish music gig you played on St. Patrick's Day. You will be missed.

Lynn Williams

March 5, 2015

I remember Tom as being one of the kindest and most thoughtful people. I'm sure he's touched many lives with his good nature. I am sorry he was taken at such a young age.

Sherry Nagel

March 5, 2015

R.I.P. Tommy!

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Memorial Events
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Mar

7

Memorial Gathering

3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

BECKER RITTER ELMBROOK FUNERAL HOME

14075 W. North Ave., Brookfield, WI 53005

Mar

7

Service

4:30 p.m.

BECKER RITTER ELMBROOK FUNERAL HOME

14075 W. North Ave., Brookfield, WI 53005

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BECKER RITTER ELMBROOK FUNERAL HOME

14075 W. North Ave., Brookfield, WI 53005

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