Thomas Friedrich Nahnsen

Thomas Friederich Nahnsen was born November 13, 1932 in Hinsdale, IL. His parents, Carl and Ella Nahnsen took Tom to the life giving waters of baptism at Bethel Lutheran Church in Chicago on January 1, 1933. Tom Confirmed his faith in Jesus Christ on Palm Sunday, April 14, 1946 at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Chicago. After graduating from Nazareth Lutheran School in 1946, Tom attended Concordia High School and Concordia Teachers College-River Forest where he excelled as a “three season athlete” multiple times. After “supply teaching” in New York for one year, Tom graduated from CTC-RF in 1955.

On August 14, 1954 Tom married Carole Joyce (Herbold) Nahnsen. Tom and Carole were blessed with three children: Pamela Joyce (Nahnsen) Beltz, Timothy Carl Nahnsen, and Jenifer Rose (Nahnsen) Zimmer. Tom and Carole’s children were their crown in life until their 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren joined this place in their hearts over their 58 years of marriage.

Tom served in Lutheran education for over 40 years at various levels (elementary, high school, college and seminary) in Ohio, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri and finally back to Springfield, IL. Tom and Carole retired to their long-time dream hobby farm The Weathered Wren in Pleasant Plains, IL. They moved to Springfield, IL shortly before the death of Tom’s beloved wife, Carole on April 28, 2013.

Whether you knew him as Tom, Dad, Uncle, Cousin, Grandpa, Grandpa Snort, The Cougar Hall of Famer, Coach, ToFo, Sir, Mr. Nahnsen, neighbor or simply as friend; Tom rarely quit trying until he found some kind of connection with your life.

Tom will be remembered for many things: “What time are the Cubs on?”” Are you going to cry if I beat you in Scrabble?”, gathering at Family Camp, leaving notes for students “See me PRONTO!,” “Keep calm and bid seven no trump,” “pretty good, for a girl,” coaching countless players on AND off the court, building over 1,000 bird houses for friends, and playing hymns on the piano while others got ready for church. Each have their own memory of how Tom touched their life. He will be greatly missed.

Tom went home to be with His Savior on Sunday August 10, 2014 at the age of 81. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren who sang the hymns, shared the Scriptures and prayed the prayers that Tom had taught them over many years. The faithful thread throughout Tom’s life in Jesus Christ leaves a witness of faith for his family, countless students and many other friends.

A memorial service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Sherman, Illinois on Thursday, August 14. It also happens to be Tom and Carole’s 60th wedding anniversary. Service begins at 10:30 am with lunch to follow at the church. Arrangements are being made by Bisch Funeral Home in Springfield.

Tom’s Confirmation verse was fitting in both life and death. “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” John 6:68

Gifts or Memorials may be sent to: Lutheran High School, 3500 West Washington St. Springfield, Illinois, 62711-7922