Thomas Joseph Dietzenbach

Thomas J. Dietzenbach age 44 of West Union, IA, died Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Gunderson Lutheran Medical Center in LaCrosse.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 26, 2025, at Holy Name Catholic Church, West Union, with Rev. Nick Radloff celebrating the Mass. Interment will be in St. Luke’s Cemetery, St. Lucas.

Friends may greet the family 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Holy Name Catholic Church in West Union. Visitation continues an hour prior the Mass at the church on Friday.

Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.

Thomas Joseph Dietzenbach was born on August 25, 1981, in Decorah, IA, and though his life was shortened, it was full and meaningful. In early childhood, he was diagnosed with non-verbal severe autism and persevered through many developmental and medical challenges. On Thursday, September 18, 2025, at age 44, Tom passed away from injuries sustained in a fall. He bravely held on for several days, giving his family the gift of time to surround him with love and prayer.

Tom was baptized at St. John’s Nepomucene Catholic Church in Fort Atkinson, IA. He attended Turkey Valley Community School where he earned a Certificate of Completion in 2000, and is fondly remembered by his teachers and other support providers.

Tom had a deep love for his devoted parents and caretakers, Kenneth and Mary; his younger brother and best friend, Michael; his doting sisters, Sheryl and Karen; and life on the family farm outside of Waucoma. He found his greatest joy in life’s simple pleasures: the comfort of his favorite blanket, lovingly made by his maternal grandmother; the taste of his mother’s cooking; and the delight of discovering and organizing small trinkets, especially his John Deere toy tractors. He also enjoyed Gator rides around the farm with his father and evening drives to admire Christmas lights. Tom’s childlike wonder and innocence were gifts that inspired all who knew him.

He is survived by his parents, Ken and Mary Dietzenbach; brother, Michael Dietzenbach of West Union; sisters, Sheryl (Michael) Becker of Marion, IA, Karen (Spencer) Drewelow and nephew Wesley Drewelow of Boulder, CO; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Hugo and Irene Dietzenbach, and maternal grandparents, John and Rita Schmitt.

Tom was a sweet and gentle soul who filled countless lives with love and joy. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished by his family, friends, teachers, and medical team.

Memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous in Thomas Dietzenbach’s name.