In Memory

Tom Dooling

Lawrence Thomas “Tom” Dooling, age 85, a lifelong Hobart resident went to his heavenly home on January 27, 2024. Tom was born on June 15, 1938, to Esther and Lawrence Dooling and grew up with his brothers, Jerry and Mickey, on Kelly Street. He was a proud member of Hobart High School’s Class of 1956 and received an Associate Degree in Engineering Electronics from Valparaiso Technical Institute in 1969.

After high school graduation, he joined the US Air Force and served honorably at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska and Sault Saint Marie. When he returned from the service, Tom got a job with Trans World Airlines (TWA) in 1960 in downtown Chicago.

While commuting to work on the South Shore, he met Ruth Elaine Langbehn and tossed a balled-up gum wrapper to get her attention. He took her sailing at Lake Maxinkuckee for their first date. They got married in 1967 and spent the next 56 years together. Tom and Ruth traveled extensively, including favorite trips - skiing in Chamonix, France, and visiting family in Ireland.

After 32 years at TWA, Tom retired in 1992. Being retired allowed him to spend all his free time with his two daughters, Iris (born 1983) and Valerie (born 1986), including ice skating on Lake George and numerous Friday evening drives to the Indiana Dunes.  

A lifelong Christian, Tom served as a faithful member, elder, and trustee at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hobart, Trinity Lutheran Church in Gary, and Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hobart. Tom was incredibly generous with his time and treasure. He helped his neighbors, delivered Meals on Wheels (8 years), and picked up food for the Hobart Food Pantry (18 years).

Beloved by family and friends, Tom had a quiet, kindhearted manner, which hid a sly sense of humor. We miss him dearly. Tom is survived by his wife, Ruth; daughters, Iris (Dan) and Valerie; his brother, Jerry (Maxine) Dooling and sister-in-law, Betty Hawthorn; and nieces and nephews, Tim (Sveta) Dooling, Christine (Tom) Gaines, Andrea Dooling, Erin (Aaron) Rice, and Katie (Mike) Menne. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Mickey. Tom’s body will be laid to rest at Graceland Cemetery in Valparaiso, but we know he is at peace with his Savior in heaven, sailing with his brother and drinking coffee with his numerous close friends who went before. 

Friends and family are invited to gather for a memorial visitation on Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 3:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd. Tom’s funeral service will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church at 6240 Grand Blvd. in Hobart, and there will be an additional visitation the hour preceding the funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tom’s memory to the Hobart Food Pantry.