Thomas L. Sudbeck

OBITUARY: Thomas (Tom) L. Sudbeck

Thomas (Tom) L. Sudbeck, 58, of Topeka, died Thursday, May 10, 2007, at his home. He was born July 6, 1948, at Seneca, KS, the son of Linus & Amelia (Wassenberg) Sudbeck. Tom grew up on the family farm north of St. Benedict where he raised sheep and cattle and was active in 4-H. Tom graduated from St. Benedict High School in 1966, and attended Washburn University. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War serving in Berlin, Germany. He enjoyed hunting and fishing; and was an avid reader. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council # 534 and attended Mater Dei Catholic Parish / Assumption Church. Tom worked for the Kansas Department of Transportation in the Research & Materials Lab for 33 years leaving employment in 2001, due to ill health. He was married January 24, 1970, to Patricia Diane Dorrance in Baileyville, KS. He is survived by his wife of the home; a daughter, Alisha Lenherr and her husband, Derek of Topeka; 3 brothers, Odie Sudbeck of Olsburg, KS, Steven Sudbeck and Loren Sudbeck, both of Seneca; a sister, Myra Noble of Seneca; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Mary Lou Droge. Tom will lie in state after 1:00 PM, Sunday, at the Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence, Topeka, where the family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 PM Sunday. A vigil will be at 7:00 PM, Sunday at the funeral chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, May 14, 2007, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, St. Benedict, KS. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Church Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1315 SW Arrowhead Road, Topeka, KS 66604 or Midland Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606-2800. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.PenwellGabel.com.