Thomas Elmer “Tom” Zemblidge, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and faithful servant of God, went in peace to our Lord on September 9, 2026.Tom was born on November 26, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Elmer and Dorothy Zemblidge.For 61 years, Tom shared his life with his beloved wife, Jeanne Zemblidge (née Gorla). Together, they built a life centered on faith and family and were blessed with four children: Greg (Kelly) Zemblidge, Amy Zemblidge, Phil Zemblidge, and Carrie (Jim) Bajzath.One of Tom’s greatest joys was being “Pawpaw” to his grandchildren, Olivia, Michael, John, and Alex. His love for his family and the memories they created together will remain a lasting part of his legacy.Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Dorothy Zemblidge, and his sisters, Barb and Jackie. He is survived by his brother, Michael (Robert), as well as his loving wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends.

Tom was a devout Catholic whose faith was an important part of his daily life. He had a particular devotion to praying the Holy Rosary with Jeanne and was a parishioner of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. He was also a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus and a member of Bishop Wurm Council 1376, living his faith through prayer, service, fraternity, and devotion to the Church.

Tom served his country with the United States Signal Corps in the Army Reserves. He volunteered his time as a bus aide at Pattonville. He loved working in his workshop crafting jigsaw puzzles, wibble wobbles, holiday decorations, and showed us the way around the woodshop. A great joy for him was to watch and cheer on his kids and grandkids sporting events.

Tom believed strongly in hard work and in providing for his family, values he passed along to his children and grandchildren. He spent much of his working life as a grocery store meat cutter, working over 3 decades for Bettendorf, Kroger, National, and Schnucks. His commitment to serving others extended beyond his work and family. He gave back to his community through the church food pantry and other acts of service, always willing to lend a hand where it was needed.

Tom also loved to joke around, especially when he could get a reaction out of someone. When asked how he was doing, he was known to reply, “I’m doing fine. Have you ever seen hair on a frog? It’s miiiiighty fine!” He also enjoyed calling the bank, doctor’s office, or the Medicine Shoppe and announcing, “Hello, this is Larry speaking!” just to throw off whoever answered the phone. Those who knew Tom well usually knew exactly who was on the other end of the line. His sense of humor, playful spirit, and the laughter he brought to those around him will be dearly missed.

Above all, Tom will be remembered for the life he shared with Jeanne, the family they created together, his love for his children, grandchildren, and the dogs: Hannah, Suzie Q, Honey, Popcorn, Pepper, Skipper, Lady, Cinny, Sugar, Katy, and Molly, and most importantly, the Catholic faith that guided him throughout his life.

Eternal rest grant unto Tom, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Visitation Thursday, September 17, 2026, 4:00–8:00 p.m. Ortmann Funeral Home 9222 Lackland Road St. Louis, Missouri 63114.

Funeral Mass Friday, September 18, 2026, Holy Spirit Parish 3130 Parkwood Lane Maryland Heights, Missouri 63043.

Burial Sacred Heart Cemetery 980 Graham Road Florissant, Missouri 63031

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