Thomas Dehne Obituary

DEHNE

Thomas G. Dehne, age 81, died peacefully in the comfort of his home in Naples, FL on December 5, 2013. Tom grew up in Newport, KY and was the loving husband of Ruth (nee Zint) for 57 wonderful years. Tom was devoted to his family which included 6 children, Tom, Jr. of Naples, FL, Steve (Peggy, nee Hock), Linda (Mike) Buhr of Raleigh, NC, Jennifer (Mark) Kunkel, Debbie (Bill) Williamson of Atlanta, GA, and Denise Montfort (Charlie Alwell). He was an amazing grandfather to 15 grandchildren; Megan, Shannon and Lauren Dehne; Emily, Joe, and Elizabeth Buhr; Nick, Nate and Jake Kunkel; Grant, Logan, Colt and Dakota Williamson; Paige and Josie Montfort. Tom is also survived by his sister Mary Claire (Mike) Bridges; sister-in-law Evelyn Elfers (nee Zint) and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jack, Charles, and Donald. Tom was a graduate of Covington Latin School. Later, he enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corp to serve gallantly in the Korean War. As a result of wounds sustained during combat, Tom was awarded two Purple Heart medals and retired as a disabled U. S. Marine. He then attended Xavier University on the GI Bill and in 3 years earned his bachelor's degree in accounting in 1956. He began his career as an accountant with Haskin and Sells. He later accepted a position as comptroller with the Disabled American Veterans, where he advanced to become Assistant National Adjutant. He was a Kentucky Colonel, past president of the Notre Dame Academy PTA, a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Elks, and the V.F.W. Tom was appointed by President Reagan to serve as one of 13 members of the committee responsible for establishing the Korea War Memorial in Washington, D.C. Tom enjoyed 23 years of retirement in Naples, FL. He was a member of the Royal Palm Country Club where he filled his days with golf, poker, bridge, and dinner with friends. Tom was a parishioner of Blessed Sacrament Church, Ft. Mitchell, KY and St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Naples, FL. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Blessed Sacrament Church, Ft. Mitchell, KY on Friday, December 20, 2013 at 10:30 am. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 am. After the interment at St. Mary Cemetery, Ft. Mitchell, the family will host a reception in the church undercroft. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105. Online condolences to: www.middendorf-funeralhome.com

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Published by Kentucky Enquirer on Dec. 15, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Dehne

6 Entries

Thomas Dehne Jr

December 5, 2024

2024 - Eleven years ago to the day - Dad - you left us physically - but as I miss you - I know you are always around . These eleven years seem so long ago yet so soon . I love you always Dad and respect you as much .

Thomas Dehne Jr

January 2, 2014

I am sure that each of us here today can think of many superlatives that we associate with our Dad .He was a man of faith , hope , love and charity . He was the most cheerful and positive man I have ever known . He was a tolerant , strong , respectful and decisive man who never wore his emotions on his sleeve . He was a devout Catholic , a proud Marine , a loving husband to our mother for 57 years and a compassionate father to 6 children and 15 grandchildren . He was a globe trekker , having visited Europe , Russia , China , Hong Kong , Japan , Australia , New Zealand , South America , North America and Hawaii . He loved to get behind the wheel of a car - driving fast and racking up points on his drivers license . Up until his mid-seventies he would drive straight thru to Naples , stopping only for bathroom breaks , a quick restaurant meal and gas . He liked his hamburgers and steaks cooked rare and always enjoyed feeding his grandkids their first pretzels . Most of all , he loved his wife , our Mom , Ruth . Sucessful is the person who has lived well , laughed often , and loved much , who has gained the respect of children , who leaves the world better than they found it , who has never lacked appreciation for the earth's beauty , who never fails to look for the best in others or give the best of themselves . Dad was a man's man and my best friend . I will miss him dearly . Dad we love you .

December 20, 2013

Martha & Mike Strawser

December 17, 2013

Heartfelt sympathies from all the Dietrichs and their families.

Arlene Fraser-Keyes

December 11, 2013

Ruth, our thoughts & prayers go out to you & your family at this sad time. Tom was such fine gentleman and the two of you, such a great example of married life!! I will treasure those times shared over bridge at the club.
Arlene & Jack Keyes

December 11, 2013

SEMPER FI MARINE - NOW YOU WILL BE GUARDING THE STREETS OF HEAVEN --
Marine Corps League, Naples, FL

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