Thomas Biedenbender, 63, Mission, SD passed away on Friday, February 14, 2014 at the Rosebud Hospital. Thomas was born on February 5, 1951 to Wilburn and Dorothy (Bessert) Biedenbender in Appleton, WI. He became a child of God through Holy Baptism at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rantoul, WI on February 25, 1951. He attended grade school at Trinity Lutheran School in Brillion, WI and publicly confessed his faith in God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit at his confirmation on May 13, 1965. From there, Tom moved to the Northwestern campus in Watertown, WI for his high school and college years. Upon college graduation, he continued on to Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in Mequon, WI to further his preparation for service for the public ministry. After a couple years, he wasn't sure if the pastoral calling was right for him and took some time off. During those years he worked as a janitor at Brillion High School and the Brillion Iron Works. This hiatus was also when he met Sandra Hawley. They married on June 10, 1977. Tom returned to his studies for the pastoral ministry in 1984. His vicar year was spent at St. John's in Juneau, WI. Upon graduation in 1986, he was assigned as an associate pastor to Grace Lutheran Church in Glendale, AZ (taking him a lot further south than Chicago - his previous idea of life outside of WI). In 1991, he accepted a call to serve at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Detroit, MI. From there he served at St. John's in Juneau, WI from 1997-2006 and finally at Zion's in Mission, SD and St. John's in Witten, SD until his passing into glory. Thomas and Sandra's marriage was blessed with three children and four (soon to be five) grandchildren: Brett (Jody) and their children Brad, Mark, and Kari; Paul (Teresa) and their children Jazmine and baby girl on the way in June; and Amy. Tom is also survived by his mother, Dorothy; four sisters: Paulette (Dennis) Krizenesky, Kathie (Ron) Hillmann, Judy (Earl) Geiger, and Jayne Biedenbender; sister-in-law: Lori Biedenbender; as well as many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He is enjoying heaven with his dad, Wilburn, his brother Shorty, and nephew Marty who have gone before him. Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brillion. Officiating at the service will be the Rev. Ross Henzi. His body will rest at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Brillion, WI until our Savior comes again. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Online condolences may be made at www.wieting-funeralhome.com
