Thomas "Tom" Heinrich Lichtenfeld

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Thomas “Tom” Heinrich Lichtenfeld, beloved father, husband, brother and friend, who left us peacefully on May 29, 2025, with his devoted wife and loving brother by his side. He is survived by his wife, Ingrid Lichtenfeld (nee Rodenhausen), their children, Christiane (Dennis) Angelo, Sonya (Adrian) Eggen, Ingrid (Joseph) Christensen and Thomas J. Lichtenfeld, and their grandchildren Theresa Angelo, Stephanie Angelo, Loren Angelo, Daric Angelo, Anders Eggen, Alena Eggen and Kai Lichtenfeld. Tom also leaves behind his siblings Johan Christoph “Chris” (Charlotte) Lichtenfeld, Anneliese Pythoud, Veronika (Heiner) Baer, Matthias (Irene) Lichtenfeld, Ursula (Don) Bruch and Andreas (Karen) Lichtenfeld. Tom is preceded in death by his 3 brothers: Johannes “Hans”, Michael, and Niklaus “Klaus” Lichtenfeld; and his cousin Klaus-Peter Lichtenfeld, whom he loved like a brother.

Thomas Heinrich Lichtenfeld was born on August 15, 1938, in Hamburg, Germany, to Johannes and Annie Lichtenfeld. At the age of 19, his young spirit and desire for new opportunities solidified his decision to move to America. He was drafted into the US Army in 1964, and he served in the military police in Vietnam. He took great pride in his military service. Upon completion of his tour of duty, together with his new bride, they began building their lives. They bought their first home on Chicago’s South Side and quickly started a family.

Tom and Ingrid enjoyed playing bridge together. Tom had a competitive spirit and was a devoted reader of the “The Kibitzer”. His love for the game and his wit eventually earned him the status of "Life Master". In addition to bridge, Tom loved many different sports – some of them he loved doing and some he loved watching. As a young adult, Tom was an avid tennis player. He even won a few trophies, but his favorite and longest lasting hobby was skiing. He took an annual ski holiday to Europe where he was often joined by some of his siblings, and then in later years, he was overjoyed when the trip grew to include the younger generation including both his children and his nieces and nephews. Beyond tennis and skiing, Tom enjoyed watching NFL football, boxing, and car racing- especially the Indianapolis 500 which he was fortunate to attend in person several times.

After their kids were grown, Tom and Ingrid discovered their love for Hawaii. This was their favorite vacation destination for many years until Tom’s health made it too difficult to travel. During these vacations, they enjoyed the exceptional food and serene beaches where Tom would often swim in the ocean, playing in the waves like a child.

As Tom’s health began to deteriorate, he was admitted to Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital, where he received exceptional care, making his final days comfortable and filled with compassion. His family remains grateful for the staff's dedication, as they reflect fondly on the vibrant life he led and the love he shared with all who knew him.

A Morning Visitation will take place on Friday, June, 6th at 10:00 am, following with a Celebration of Life Service at 12:30 pm located at Blake Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W 103rd St, Oak Lawn, IL, 60453. A Committal Service will conclude at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W Hoff Rd, Elwood, IL 60421.