Thomas Elmer Lubbert

Thomas Elmer Lubbert, a devoted husband, father, friend, and lifelong steward of our nation's natural heritages, passed away at the age of 86. He was born in Riceville, Iowa, September 16, 1938, and passed away on June 17, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Tom was a Lifetime member of 55 years with the Elks Lodge, a member of the Optimist Club, and a member of the Theta Si fraternity at Iowa State University.

For 36 years, Tom served with quiet strength and steady commitment as part of the National Park Service—from the moment he graduated college to the day he retired. His career took him to parks across the country. Some of the more prestigious parks being Glacier and Grand Canyon National Park. He relocated often to pursue new opportunities with other parks or promotions. A major anchor for him was when he became the Superintendent of Big Thicket National Preserve in Beaumont Texas, a role that embodied his leadership and deep respect for nature.

In the later years of his service, Tom worked at the National Park Service headquarters in Denver Colorado, where he served as a Project Manager overseeing construction efforts at parks, monuments, and preserves nationwide.

He was married for 61 years to his beloved wife, Erma, who he met while working in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area just north of Redding California. Together they raised two children, Cindy and Tim.

Family trips were a fun part of Tom’s earlier life, whether early on with the kids or later in retirement with Erma and occasionally extended family. In those early years, planning a trip meant a stop at the local AAA office to pick up a “Trip Tik,” a spiral-bound booklet with highlighted routes and notes on attractions along the way. Old school, yes—but reliable. Alongside the Trip Tik was a well-stocked cooler filled with sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. Canyon, the family’s loyal dog, always joined, nestled between Tom and Erma in the front seat, a quiet guardian of the journey.

In retirement, Tom continued to travel and tend his backyard garden. When traveling, Tom and Erma were intentional about visiting as many National Park Service locations as possible while in route to their final destination to family or friends. They often chose scenic detours just to “check the box,” though it was never really about the list. It was about being present, appreciating nature, sharing each moment together and maintaining relationships.

He is survived by his wife Erma, his daughter Cindy Gomez, son-in-law George Gomez, his son Tim Lubbert and his partner Lisa Woeber, and his granddaughter Gwendolyn (Gwen) Lubbert. He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Marie Lubbert.

A memorial service will be held at St. Peters Lutheran Church, 105 W 6th St., Riceville, Iowa 50466 on June 30th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The National Park Service, Make A Gift - National Park Foundation.