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Broekelmann, Thomas

In Loving Memory

Broekelmann, Thomas “Tom” J.

October 13, 1954 - October 29, 2024

Broekelmann, Thomas Joseph: Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Monday, October 28, 2024. Beloved husband of Cheryl Broekelmann (nee Straub); devoted father to Sarah (Christopher) Simpson, Thomas (Jeanette) Broekelmann, Veronica (Timothy) Barrett; adoring PopPop to Adelyn, Timothy, Emily, Amelia, Genevieve, Elizabeth, Katherine and Eleanor; a sometimes frustrated dog dad to Burki; dear brother to Donald (Tina), Michael (Janice), Mary Ellen (Jim); brother-in-law to Kathy (Dan) Winkelmann, Carol (Richard) Cutak, Sister Sandra Straub, CSJ, Mary Beth (Joseph) Judkins (deceased), Sister Linda Straub, CSJ, Arthur (Carol) Straub,  Deacon David (Linda) Straub, Janice (Joseph) Denigan, Jane (Kurt) Curtis; and loving godfather, uncle, friend and coworker to many.

Tom loved life, his family and his friends, but his beloved Cheryl most of all, married for 47 years but sweethearts for 53 wonderful years. Tom worked at Washington University School of Medicine in the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology for 40 years.  He was particularly proud of his research in extracellular matrix proteins, with special love for fibronectin and elastin and a begrudging respect for MAGP. An avid fisherman and boater, an amateur beer brewer and disc golfer and professional soccer fan, Tom lived his life to the fullest every day. His spirit showed through even in the hardest times, and he will be missed by so many.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Joseph Institute for the Deaf and St. Mary’s South Side Catholic High School

VISITATION Friday November 1, 3-8PM at Kutis Funeral Home (10151 Gravois Road, St. Louis, MO 63123 and  funeral mass will be held at Seven Holy Founders Church, Saturday November 2, 11:00 A.M. (6737 S. Rock Hill Rd. Affton, MO 63123) Bubbles Up.

Condolences

41 thoughts on “Broekelmann, Thomas “Tom” J.”

  1. We are so sorry for Cheryl and the Broekelmann family. Our neighbors for over 35 years. Tom was a great man and will be missed from our great Grant’s Forest family.

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  2. Absolutely heartbroken to hear about Tommy leaving us way too soon. So blessed to have him as a friend since childhood – he’s always been one of the kindest, warmest, happiest people I’ve ever known. His mischievous grin could just light up your entire day. Sending all our love and many hugs to the entire Broekelmann family. You will be in our hearts and prayers. Rest in Peace, Tommy.

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  3. Great guy! Also a wonderful husband, father and neighbor. Our deepest sympathies to Cheryl and the kids..
    Seems like I just saw him driving up the street in that red convertible.

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  4. Aunt Cher, Sarah, Tommy and Veronica –
    My sympathies to you all. Such a sad time. Tom was a neat guy and a fun uncle. I am keeping you in my prayers and thoughts.
    Love,
    Sandy W

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  5. Sending our love and prayers from Kansas City. Uncle Tom was truly the kindest person and will be missed greatly. We are so sorry for your loss.

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  6. Please accept our sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends. I was blessed to be with Tom and his family for many years. We fished and did a few camping trips. As a coach to the kids Tom was my mentor. He was able to steer me into being a better teacher and coach. I will miss my friend but know that I have a fantastic angel looking out for me. Love to all. Skip, Tanya and the Mazurkiewicz family

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  7. Uncle Tom was part of the Three Tom’s Musketeers. I loved playing soccer with him while little. He will be soooooooooooooo missed. My condolences from Cousin and nephew Tom Winkelmann.

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  8. Tom brought such life and happiness to all, especially Cheryl, his children, and grandchildren. I feel blessed to have been touched by his joy! Thanks, Tom, for making my Easter Bunny Bunco Drink idea come to life! I think it will be our new tradition! Rest in peace.

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  9. Tom was such a wonderful person who will be forever missed. He had such a positive attitude and passion for living life fully. Such great memories throwing discs, toasting before a CITY game to the team’s good luck, and cheering on the Billikens. Sending our sincerest sympathies to all the Broekelmann family. May the wonderful memories of Tom bring comfort to you in the days ahead.

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  10. Tom fought a long and hard battle. He was such a kind, generous, loving individual. Our sympathies to the family and friends of which we are sure there are many.

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  11. He was a wonderful scientist and supportive colleague to many at WashU. A good friend and fun guy to have around, in any situation.
    Enjoyed our pick-up soccer games organized by Bob Mecham’s lab, which included Tom and Tommy.

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  12. Sending my love, thoughts and prayers to Cheryl and all of the Broekelmann family. His parents, Don and Mary, were our very best friends since the time I met them in 1951. I remember seeing Tommy grow up from being such a sweet little guy to the wonderful husband, father and grandfather he has been until the good Lord took him! RIP Tom

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  13. I feel very lucky to have had my Uncle Tom as my godfather. His kindness and generosity of spirit will be forever remembered. Always giving a smile, I can hear his voice as I think back on memories of Uncle Tom throughout my life, especially when he painstakingly explained adenovirus vectors to me. My heartfelt condolences to Aunt Cheryl, Sarah, Tommy, and Veronica, as well as all their families. We are very sorry for your loss.

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  14. What an amazing uncle he was to us, always kind words, a big smile, and I will never forget the times he took us fishing! Aunt Cheryl, Sarah, Tommy and Veronica, we are thinking of you and your families and sending our love from Seattle. Love – Nancy, Chris, Zach, Audrey & Amanda

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  15. Sympathy to all the Broekelmanns from Kathy and Chris Petersen and Anna Petersen Goldman with so many cherished memories of Don and Mary and their wonderful family

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  16. Cheryl and family, I am so sorry for you loss. Cheryl I lived next door to you on Miami, we were childhood friends (maiden name was Boeckelmann). We laughed at the thought your married name was going to be so similar to my maiden name! I just lost my sister-in-law Shirley Boeckelmann and was looking through the obituaries when I came across your husband. Death is never easy ( I just lost my mom age 98 on October 15th). Sending my prayers and thoughts to you!!

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  17. Dear Cheryl,
    I am so so sorry that you have lost, Tom, the love of your life. You always had such a big smile on your face whenever you mentioned Tom. Your “Harrison Ford” was your adventurer and partner in every thing you did. Try to remember those precious memories in the days and years ahead. May God surround you and your wonderful family with his love and kindness.

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  18. Our condolences to the Brockelmann family on the loss of their beloved Tom. I remember Tom as a kind man and coach. He was always warm and friendly with a ready smile. Prayers for Tom, Cheryl and their family.

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  19. Cheryl. I am so very sorry for your family’s loss. He was one of the nicest men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. He will be truly missed. God bless you and your family during this difficult time.

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  20. Dear Cheryl and family, We are so sorry for your loss of Tom. I first met him at St. Mary’s and then we reconnected when our kids were at SHF. Our deepest sympathy,

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  21. Cheryl, Words cannot express how much Joy and love Tom gave to our family and all who knew him. He has touched so many hearts and always had a warm smile and he was Mr. hospitality. You two were in sync. I will miss so much, but know we are all here for you and Sarah, Tommy and Veronica. Gently peace sister. love, Linda

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  22. Tom was a great man, dear friend to everyone in Cell Biology and Physiology Department and great protein scientist. He was always ready to help, and he will be remembered.
    We are very sorry for your loss.

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  23. Tom and I shared a lab bench at Washington University for some wonderful, exciting, and fun six years. Tom was not only the best lab mate you would wish but he was my friend. I will always remember our talks on fishing, and sailing (he eventually bought my old sailboat), and birds. Oh, he will be missed by so many. My most heartfelt condolences to Cheryl and his family. All my love.

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  24. Deepest sympathies to Cheryl and the entire family. Tom was a grade / high school classmate and one of the nicest people I had the pleasure of knowing

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  25. What a loss! He had an incredible fund of scientific knowledge and was always ready to help other investigators. Such a wonderful person and such a wonderful smile! My sympathy to his family.

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  26. Cheryl and Family-
    I’m so sad to hear about your loss. I worked with Tom in the Mecham lab, and he taught me so much. We also had a lot of fun chatting about sports, beer, and occasionally science. I wish you all peace in this difficult time.

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  27. Cheryl, Sara, Tommy, and Veronica-
    I want to offer my deepest condolences on the loss of Tom. Tom was a central part of the big family known as the Mecham Lab. Everyday Tom greeted me in the lab with his infectious smile. He was a great scientist and took the time to teach me a tremendous amount about being a scientist for which I will forever be grateful. He also kept the lab environment fun. Carmen and I will be praying for you all. To my friend Tom—rest well.

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  28. I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Tom. My deepest condolences to Cheryl and Family. Tom has made a difference in so many lives/careers of people in the Mecham and McDonald labs, and others at WashU. I’m grateful to have met Tom and to have been his colleague and friend.

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  29. Cheryl and Broekelmann family,
    Heartfelt condolences to you for the loss of a wonderful man. Tom was a great cousin and, more importantly, friend. I know that I can speak for the entire Throm family in saying our hearts are aching, and our thoughts, love and prayers are with you.

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  30. Dear Cheryl and Family,
    Our thought and prayers are with you at this time of great loss. As we are here for Lone Oak owners’ weekend, we will remember Tom with a moment of silence and prayer as he sails into his new life with our eternal Captain. May God’s loving arms surround you and your family as you share fond memories of Tom.

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  31. Cheryl and family, I am so sad to hear of your loss, of everyone’s loss. I first Tom nearly 40 years ago, and I have always treasured our interactions – as well as the Arrogant Bastard beer label he adorned with my face! Tom’s constant humor, generosity and overall humanness made him one of the best people I have know. You and your large family were incredibly lucky

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  32. Cheryl and Family,
    Our warmest condolences. We were so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, The Gieseking Family

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  33. Cheryl, We are so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. We know how much he loved you and St Joseph’s. We are out of the country and will miss the visitation and mass but we wanted you to know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
    — Jim & Merry Mosbacher

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