Thomas E. Foelber

Thomas E Foelber, 90, found eternal peace on October 2. He was proud to have spent his life in Fort Wayne. His family were dedicated members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where Tom attended grade school. He went on to graduate in 1951 from Concordia Lutheran High School and attended Valparaiso University. While at Valparaiso, he was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity. Following his time at Valparaiso, he served for 2 years in the United States Navy being assigned to work on the USS WASP CVA-18, part of the Carrier Air Group. Tom’s quiet and gentle spirit allowed him to be a trusted and loyal friend to many. He worked for Indiana Bank and Trust and made several lifelong friends. He was a member of local organizations serving with the Jaycees for four years, the Sertoma Club for 5 years, and holding leadership roles with the Allen County Republican Party. Tom’s connection with friends and commitment to Lutheran education led him to become a founding member of The Concordia Educational Foundation. The foundation began in 1959 when a group of CLHS alumni and friends met weekly and began a scholarship collection, thus launching CEF. In November of 1961, he and Jacqueline Baird married. They each worked diligently and made time to celebrate with friends. In the summer of 1965, they proudly built a house and Tom lived there until the summer of 2024. Becoming a homeowner introduced Tom to a new hobby, his joy for lawn maintenance and gardening. Tom’s career path led him to working at the local Lincoln Mercury dealership for twenty-five years. In retirement he worked at the Willow Ridge Golf Course. It became a perfect blend of being surrounded by friends and golf.

For the past 16 years, Tom found his joy in spending time with his granddaughter, Sora. The two shared an unforgettable bond. He will forever be proud of her. Tom was the person that you called when you needed help as he would be by your side, no explanation necessary. He provided a calming shoulder to cry on and listened without judgment. He forgave mistakes without holding grudges. And he shared his sarcastic sense of humor to bring laughter to any situation. Tom is survived by his family; Janne and Keith Ross; and granddaughter, Sora; and his sister, Suzanne Dahling. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Rosella Foelber; his brother, John Foelber; and his wife, Jacqueline Foelber.

A visitation to share memories of Tom will be held on Monday, October 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 PM at Hockemeyer and Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Rd. Fort Wayne, IN 46835. A service will follow, and burial will be in Lindenwood Cemetery. To best honor Tom, please consider making a donation to the Concordia Educational Foundation, 1601 St. Joe River Drive, Fort Wayne, IN 46805. To quote the ending of every visit that Tom and Sora shared “See you later, alligator. In a while, crocodile.” Condolences and memories may be shared at hockemeyermillerfh.com.