Thomas C.

Oelhafen

Thomas C. Oelhafen, 90, of West Bend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12, 2026.

Thomas was born on May 17, 1936, in West Bend to the late August and Nelda (nee Goldammer) Oelhafen. In 1954, he graduated from West Bend High School. On December 20, 1958, he married the love of his life, Karen J. Baetz, at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church in Huilsburg and together they raised three children.

Thomas worked for the Washington County Highway Department for 38 years. His retirement occupation was working at West Bend Sand & Stone. He also played lead trumpet with the Normie Dogs & His Melody Boys Orchestra for 35 years. Thomas had also been a member of the Hartford City Band since 1963. In his spare time, he enjoyed crossword puzzles and supporting local sports teams (Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Golden Eagles). His personal priority was his pride in his children, grandchildren, and his excitement of recently becoming a great-grandfather.

Those Thomas leaves behind to cherish his memory include his three children, Linda (Larry) Hopkins of Noblesville, Indiana, Michael (Bill) Oelhafen of Greenfield, and Mary (Bill) Nimrod of Glenview, Illinois; his four grandchildren, Kyle Schaefer, Abbey Schaefer, Thomas Nimrod (Lindsay Ciardelli), and Sarah Nimrod (Mike Durante); his two great-grandchildren, Kieran Durante and Rena Wren Nimrod; one sister-in-law, Sarah Boll; and other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Thomas is preceded in death by his wife, Karen; sister, Carol (Robert) Marquis; brother-in-law, Ralph (Juanita) Baetz, and brother-in-law Robert Boll.

A private family graveside service in remembrance of Thomas will be held in St. Martin’s Union Cemetery in Fillmore.

Memorials in honor of Thomas can be made to the Hartford City Band.

Please consider signing our online guest book (www.myrhum-patten.com) to share your condolences with the family. Cards addressed to the family may be sent in care of: Myrhum – Patten Funeral and Cremation Service, 1315 W. Washington Street, West Bend, WI 53095.

Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with Thomas’ arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.