Tommy “Tom” Jay Hawblitzel, Warsaw, passed away at 2:32 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017, at Goshen Hospital at the age of 76.
He was born July 13, 1941, in South Bend, to William Russell Hawblitzel and Jean Ruth Andrews Hawblitzel Whiteman. On April 13, 1975, he was married to Sara Jean Walters, who survives.
Tom enlisted in the U.S. Navy in November 1959 and was honorably discharged in 1961.
He was a resident of Kosciusko County for the past 32 years, and had worked for many years at American Bolt & Screw Co., Elkhart.
Tom was a founding member and longtime boat driver for the Lake City Skiers in Warsaw. For many years he was active on the facilities committee and sound system for Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church, and most currently he had been attending Warsaw Community Church.
He loved being a dad and a grandpa, having the privilege to always be there for his kids. Tom enjoyed being able to coach his children over the years in multiple sports. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 42 years, Sara Jean Hawblitzel, Warsaw; three sons: T.J. (Carol) Hawblitzel Jr., Western Springs, Ill.; Gary (Pam) Hawblitzel, Warsaw; and Steve (Tracie) Hawblitzel, Warsaw; and his daughter, Debra (Jim) Schultz, Franksville, Wis. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren: Cody Ratley and Rian Schultz, Franksville; Lucy and Ella Hawblitzel, Western Springs; and McKenna, Melaina, Andrew, Alex and Aarin Hawblitzel, Warsaw; and his brother, Don (Nancy) Edward Whiteman, South Bend.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.
His funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, at the funeral home and officiated by Pastor Jeff Pfeifer. Full military rites will be conducted at a later date.
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Memorials to Chapman Lakes Foundation, P.O. Box 776, Warsaw, IN 46581-0776; or to the Lake City Skiers, 2455 Hidden Lake Drive, Warsaw, IN 46580.
Condolences may be sent at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.
