Thomas Birling

Thomas E. Birling, age 68, of Seymour passed away Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at Good Shepherd Nursing Home, Seymour. He was born December 20, 1943 son of late Alex and Elsie (Hammes) Birling in Neenah.

On October 28, 1967 he was united in marriage to Betty DeBruin at St. John Catholic Church in Seymour.

Tom fulfilled a lifelong dream when he and Betty purchased the farm in Black Creek. Tom later worked at Seymour Canning, a job he truly enjoyed, until his retirement.

Tom was a member of the FFA Alumni. He enjoyed singing in the St. John church choir, served on the St. John School Board for a number of years, and also served as a lector and an usher. One of his favorite things was decorating the church at Christmas time.

He had an uncanny ability to walk in the door when the first sheet of cookies was coming out of the oven. Having a big bowl of ice cream was a nightly requirement for Tom.

Tom was always outside doing things. He would be out feeding sheep, driving tractor, mowing the grass, building things, and simply loved to be outside. Tom especially enjoyed spending time with his good buddy, his grandson Zach. He was also a huge Packers fan.

Survivors include his wife, Betty; sons: Tony (Pam) Birling and Andrew Birling; 2 daughters: Amy Birling and her son Zachary; and Amanda (Andy Herrell) Birling. Further survived by his brothers and sisters: Mary Brown, Cathy (Gary) Westerman, Betty (Rod) Harris, Mike (Jean) Birling, Ron (Jane) Birling. Also survived by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Carol Birling; David (Mary) DeBruin, Steve DeBruin, Debbie (Keith) Rosin, Dennis (Patti) DeBruin; and father-in-law Orvell DeBruin.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Bill; brother-in-law Dick Brown; mother-in-law RoseMarye DeBruin; and sister-in-law Sharon DeBruin.

Friends may call at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Saturday, December 15, 2012 from 9 am until the memorial mass at 11 am with Fr. Bob Kabat officiating. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.muehlboettcher.com

The family is grateful for all the care and concern shown by the staff at Good Shepherd Nursing Home.