Pastor Thomas Van der Bloemen was a native of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He graduated from the Lutheran Seminary in 1956. During his ministry, he was actively involved with minorities, women's rights, and liturgical renewal. His professional interest was New Testament exegesis and church history.
He served as a pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church Wichita, the "mother church" of Lutheranism in Wichita. Pastor Tom enjoyed reading mystery novels and biographies, cooking, fly fishing, travel and listening to music.
He is survived by his wife, Myrtle Kuntz Van der Bloemen; son, Thomas (Elsie); daughter, Carol Reyes (Bill); son, Robert (Lisa); daughter, Christine Garcia; nine grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.
There will be a viewing at Ascension Lutheran Church Friday, August 7th from 4-6pm. Memorial gifts may be directed to, Bethesda Lutheran Home.
