Thomas "Tom" Beerbower's Obituary
Thomas (Tom) G. Beerbower, 81 of Harlan passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 25, 2023 at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Harlan would never be the same when Tom was born on February 24, 1942 to the late Guy M. and Berdene M. (Schlatter) Beerbower. Tom was a lifelong resident of Harlan and he often would state though that he actually lived in the “suburbs” of Harlan. He graduated from Harlan High School and went on to spend some time in the Army National Guard. He then worked at International Harvester where he had many stories to tell of his experience at Harvester! He worked mostly on the Scout line until Harvester parted ways with Fort Wayne. Tom met the “love of his life” Sandie at a Rural Youth Meeting that his parents hosted. However, it was not apparently love at first sight for Tom. Sandie “pursued” him for a long time continuing to go to the Rural Youth meetings. She finally decided that she was going to go to one more meeting and if he didn't ask her out she was done. Well the stars must of aligned and Tom did in fact ask Sandie out that night and the rest is history. They were married on July 15, 1967 and were married for over 50 years until Sandie passed in January 2022. Their first house was a small house just down from his parents house on Bull Rapids Road. Then in 1973 they had a house built right around the corner on Antwerp Road and they remained in that Yellow house on Antwerp Road. This is where they raised their three wonderful children, many cats and dogs. Dogs always respected Tom and he was quite a dog whisper. He also loved to tend to their beautiful gardens and flowers. Antwerp Road was definitely home to him and he was well known in the Harlan “suburbs”. Tom was a Purdue Fan among a lot of his friends and family who were Indiana Fans. He took a lot of beatings over the years after a Purdue loss to Indiana. But its quite possible he enjoyed being a little different from the mainstream and probably enjoyed the harassment. He would fly his Purdue flag with great pride. He definitely acquired the Beerbower Jokester gene so he knew how to give it right back at them when the razzing started but he and seemed to relish in this! Tom had many hobbies and one of his favorite was fishing, or as he famously put it “wetting a line”. Tom was a simple man and fancy equipment was never needed for fishing or really anything he would need in life. Actually he could rig something up from things he had lying around like no other! His kids referred to him as the 1980's series MacGyver at times! Tom definitely could reel in some fine fish though. He would also love to cook them up for his family and friends! He took several trips with his fishing buddies to Lake Erie. He also would drag his family, much to their chagrin, to “Fish Camps.”. In 1998, Tom not only had his two daughters getting married but he decided to buy a cottage on Big Turkey Lake in beautiful Stroh Indiana. So now he had his very own fishing spot as he could walk right out the front door. He was proud of his cottage and together with his family they fixed up the cottage. The family shared many great family times over the years and Tom met many good friends over the last 25 years at Big Turkey Lake.
Tom also enjoyed water skiing behind his Red Hydrodune which was made right in Harlan and previously owned by his Great Uncle Wayne Beerbower. He unfortunately had to give up water skiing due to hip issues, but if it wasn't for that he'd probably would've been skiing around Big Turkey Lake yet Cypress Garden Style! Tom also loved playing euchre and had many dear friends and several groups he played with. Sometimes all day marathon matches! He was proud of his euchre t shirts too. He would love telling about his winnings or that great “loaner” and it probably goes without saying but he was rather competitive!
Tom also loved a good game of ping pong and had a nice table set up in his “antique room” in his basement. He would take on anyone that would dare to go up against him as he had some unique moves.
When Tom was a youth he was a member of 4H and his children and grandchildren have carried on the 4H tradition. Tom was a lifelong member of the Harlan Lions Club as well. Tom was also a member of Christ Lutheran Church where he enjoyed being in Senior Saint's. Tom and his family loved to travel and he and his wife Sandie went to many destinations over the years Tom and his family also enjoyed many camping excursions in one of his prized possessions a 1970 vintage Starcraft Motorhome. That smooth piece of nostalgia made it's way around the country and also hit up many local campgrounds. Often times he could quite possibly be compared to the legendary Cousin Eddie from such hit films as National Lampoons Vacation. Not only did the family camp together they also camped with a group from church over the years where Tom was known for his campfire vegetable soup and kettle corn or as a couple of his Grandkids called it “Tom Corn.” Tom had his own unique ways of doing most things duct tape was a known friend to Tom. He also had his own signature sense of style. He often would say “Well I am not going to throw that out it may come back in style” and most often he was right! He also could be greatly known for his stubborn German gene!! He also will be remembered for his quick wit and a lot of “Tomisms” such as certain phrases “well ain't you something” and “well yea” and an all time classic “your quarter go ahead”. He will also be known when he did something good he'd reach around and give himself a pat on the back!
Tom also enjoyed a good nap and had the great skill or being able to sleep really anywhere quite similar to the ways of a a cat. He also enjoyed his daily Fort Wayne Journal Gazette and if it did not show up at a certain time – the newspaper was getting a call from him! He also enjoyed listening to Country Music and in earlier days staticy AM Radio or the former HAWK Fort Wayne Radio Station. This seemed to drive his family crazy! Tom will be truly missed by his family, church friends, neighbors, Big Turkey Lake friends, card friends and anyone that knew him around the Harlan community all these years. He certainly did not know a stranger and was always willing to help out whoever he could! Tom is survived by his daughters, Nicole Borchelt (Ben), New Haven Lisa (Ed) Lomont Maumee Ohio, and son, Brent (Kim) of Auburn. Also, his special grandchildren Madelyn, Joelle, Thomas, Bethany Borchelt, Croix and Leia Lomont, and Spencer Beerbower. He is also survived by a sister Bonnie Lengacher, Harlan, along with two special sister in laws Sharon Gerig (New Haven) and Sue (Denny) Litzenberg (Hobe Sound Florida). Also, many special cousins, nieces and nephews and friends. Funeral Service is Friday, September 1, 2023 at 11 AM at Christ Lutheran Church 4412 Park Street Woodburn with calling one hour prior. Calling is also 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 31, 2023 at Harper's Community Funeral Home 740 IN 930 New Haven. Burial in Scipio Cemetery, Harlan.
Preferred Memorial to Allen County 4H or Christ Lutheran Church Woodburn.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?
