Thomas "Tommy" Henry Nabbefeld

Thomas Henry Nabbefeld, age 87, passed away on November 15, 2021 at home where he wanted to be, from complications of a staph infection of the blood which he fought till his very last breath. He was born on September 19, 1934 in Neenah, WI to Joseph P and Catherine (Laus) Nabbefeld. He graduated from Menasha High in 1952. He married Lindell (Hopfensperger) on July 29, 1967, at St. Mary’s in Florence, WI. Tom first met me on 6th street in Menasha when he was my folk’s paperboy, he was 14 and I was two!!!!He was my lover, friend and Companion, I miss you already! I wish I could have had more time with you, but very grateful for the time that we did have. I loved you then, now and always.

Tom worked at American Can for 15 years and at Badger Highways for 30 years as a heavy equipment operator and member of the operating engineers #139. Tom worked and traveled by train with The Ringling Brothers Circus, driving CAT and setting up tents during the summer of 1951. We made numerous visits to the Circus Museum in Baraboo, and to their winter quarters in Sarasota Fl., guess he still had sawdust in his veins!! In the 50’s he drove stock car at Apple Creek, Oshkosh and DePere. He enjoyed street rods and owned a 1934 REO that he restored and took to many car shows. He owned numerous Harleys over the years and we went to Sturgis 13 times.

Tom was an usher at St. Edwards in Mackville and volunteered at the homeless shelter. He enjoyed street rods, motorcycles, 50s and 60’s music, Packers, Badgers, JUNK YARDS, flea markets, Gunsmoke, The Andy Griffith Show and a good brandy and seven!! We did a fair amount of traveling and he unexpectedly loved New York!

I sure hope they can use trailers in Heaven, as Tom made and sold over 100 utility trailers and several flag poles, since retiring 25 years ago. If you’re fortunate, you own one of these! He loved his wife, kids and welding in his shop out back!

Tom was a very interesting and talented man and had all kinds of ideas and inventions of his own. He was a soft spoken, kind, generous and smart man who had a good sense of humor right to the end.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Lindell, daughters, Amy Nabbefeld, Joy Robertson (Eric Duncan), grand daughter, Amanda (Dan) Mayers, great granddaughter, Sydney Giffey, daughter in law, Nachell, a sister, Karen (Bob) Burr, sister in law, Cindy(Tim) Hainer, brothers in law, Bill, David (Laura) Hopfensperger and Herb Schreiner and numerous nieces and nephews he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his son, Tommy, brother, Ted(Lori), sisters, Marion(Ken) Fisher, Germaine (Dick Masten), in laws, Clayton and Lillian(Tietz) Hopfensperger, sisters in law, Jean Gross, Mary Lenz Schreiner (Dave) Brother in law, Mickey, nephew, Eric Gross and his little angel friend Stephie.

Funeral services will be held at St. Edwards Parish in Mackville on December 4th, Father Walter and Deacon Jeff officiating. Visitation will be from 9am -12pm; services will begin at noon with burial to follow the service.

A special thanks to DJ, Andrea, Creation, Ashley, Jennifer, Mary Beth and Jessica from Compassus Hospice and my brother, Dave and his wife Laura, sister, Cindy, niece, Lisa and her husband, Pat, Mary and Daisy, Shelley, Shirl, Barb, Kim and Nachell for all their time and tender loving care of Tom, as well as all of my neighbors and friends for their concern for us.

Life is a Journey, enjoy the ride we did!!!Tommy take care of your Dad till I get there!

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