Thomas J. Dillenburg, 86, of Sheboygan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at St. Nicholas Hospital, with his beloved family at his side.
Born on May 29, 1939, in Shawano, Wisconsin, he was the eldest of eight children born to Victor and Eleanor (Muraski) Dillenburg.
Tom began his spiritual journey at Sacred Heart Seminary, Oneida. He continued his education at St. Francis Seminary, Milwaukee, where he completed his studies in Philosophy and Theology, culminating in his ordination as a Catholic priest in 1965. Over time, he felt a deeper calling to the vocation of marriage and fatherhood and left the priesthood to have a family — paths he embraced with love and humility. Tom was united in marriage to Marilee Weinrich until her passing in 2016. Together they raised six children.
Tom’s life was grounded in faith and a deep commitment to serving others. His compassion and sense of purpose guided him to a fulfilling career in social work, where he dedicated himself to supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. He completed his career with Sheboygan County Human Services, retiring in 2008 following nearly 19 years of dedicated service.
Tom was a man of deep faith and a devoted member of St. Dominic Parish in Sheboygan. He lived a simple, contented life—finding joy in tinkering, listening to music on the radio, and, in his younger days, exploring the town on his bicycle. Tom was known for his selflessness and gentle spirit. His calm, humble presence made those around him feel truly heard, supported, and cared for. Always ready to lend a hand or a listening ear, he was a steadfast source of comfort to anyone in need.
Above all, Tom treasured his family. He took immense pride in his role as “Papa” and embraced every moment spent with his 12 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. The memories they created together were among his most cherished, and his love for them was unwavering.
Tom is survived by his children, Denise Klotzbach of Elkhart Lake, William Hubler II of
Sheboygan Falls, Stephen Hubler of Tucson, Arizona, Rebecca (Stephen) Provancher of Mequon, Rachel Veldboom of Roberts, and Matthew (Judy) Dillenburg of Appleton; grandchildren Doran and Zachary Norman, Lucas (Emily), Abram and Adam Klotzbach, Brady and Evan Provancher, Gabriel, Grace, and Ryan Veldboom, and Madelyn and Katelyn Dillenburg; great-grandchildren Mya and Marcus Norman, Delilah and John Klotzbach; as well as his siblings Peter (Ora) Dillenburg of West Allis, Barbara (Gary) Olson of Mosinee, Michael (Colette) Dillenburg of Milwaukee, Monica (Mark) Ellis of Rochester Hills, Michigan, Diane (Thomas) Schroeder of Abrams, and Jean Dillenburg of Shawano; and brother-in-law Thomas (Joan) Weinrich of Port Washington. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, his special first cousins, and many other relatives and friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marilee, brother Anthony Dillenburg, and granddaughter Lauren Elizabeth Veldboom.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 12:00 noon on Thursday, July 17, at St. Dominic
Parish, located at 2133 N. 22nd Street in Sheboygan, with Fr. Baumgardner officiating.
Inurnment at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Port Washington will follow at a later date. The
family will receive relatives and friends at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until
the time of Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Dominic Catholic Church of Sheboygan in Tom’s name.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at
Progressive Care Center, HSHS Home Health, and Embrace Care Management, whose
support allowed Tom to maintain his independence and comfort at home. They are also
Thankful for Dr. Gupta and to the staff at St. Nicholas Hospital for the attentive care provided to Tom during his final days.
Please visit our website to share your stories and leave your condolences for the family www.olsonfuneralhome.info.
The Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Tom’s arrangements.
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