Thomas D. Grau 1942 - 2018

REMBE, GRAU, INLAY, TOMPKINS

Posted By: Connie Swearingen -Volunteer (email)
Date: 11/9/2018 at 17:15:06

Sioux City Journal
3 October 2018

Sebastian, Fla, formerly Sioux City

Thomas D. Grau, 76, of Sebastian, formerly Sioux City, passed away on Sept. 27, 2018, at Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach, Fla.

Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 900 27th Ave., in Vero Beach, with the Rev. Chris Kollmann officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Lowther Funeral Home in Vero Beach. A guest book is available at www.lowtherfuneralhome.com.

Tom was born on March 14, 1942, in Le Mars, Iowa, the son of Russell and Marjorie (Rembe) Grau. He was raised in Sioux City, and graduated from East High School. He received his bachelor of science degree from Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Tom became a mechanical engineer.

Tom was united in marriage to Linda Inlay in 1961, and she passed away in 1975. He was united in marriage to Theo (Susie) Tompkins in 1978 in South Sioux City.

Tom was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer and served as president, head elder, head trustee and had a singing ministry that blessed so many. Before retiring, he worked for Coors Brewery in Colorado, and for 39 years, he worked for McCracken/International Pipe Machinery Co./Besser International in Sioux City and San Antonio, Texas. Between these companies, Tom invented seven patents for them. He also was an Eagle Scout.

Tom will be remembered for his wonderful voice, his love for singing, doing stain glass, woodworking and camping.

Tom is survived by his wife of 40 years, Susie of Sebastian; sons, Douglas Grau of Vero Beach, Eric (Georgi) Grau of Sioux City, Matthew (Laurie) Grau of Stillwater, Minn., and David Tompkins (Jill) of Lawrenceville, Ga.; daughter, Rachelle Tompkins-Campbell (Vick) of Vero Beach; mother-in-law, Betty Meisner of Vero Beach; sister, Connie Eriksen of Sioux City; brother, Scott Grau of Lincoln, Neb.; 13 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many close friends and neighbors.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; and his father-in-law, Wilferd Meisner.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Stroke of Hope Club, 6171 Island Harbor Road, Sebastian, FL 32958, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Vero Beach, FL, or a charity of your choice.