Thomas A. Nimtz, 85, of Valparaiso passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 8, 2024. Born May 15, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan to Henry & Alice (Miller) Nimtz, and his younger brother Richard (Betty Watt) followed 4 years later. Tom attended Lutheran High School in Detroit and then attended Valparaiso University, majoring in Social Work. He started at Valparaiso university and paused for a period of service in the Army. While stationed in England, he met the love of his life, Inge (Schneider) while she was there studying English. The story of their meeting is family lore retold many times!
Tom and Inge married in 1964, and Tom returned to complete his baccalaureate degree in Social Work. The couple moved to the University of Denver in Colorado to complete his MSW. Their oldest son, Thomas (Lynn) was born in Denver. Upon completion of his degree, the couple settled near Valparaiso. 2 additional children arrived, Kai (Laura) and Maika (Jeff), 6 grandchildren: Christopher (Jessie), Allison (Sean), Rachel, Karen, Liam, Josephine and one great grandchild is on the way!
Tom and Inge lived in Valparaiso for 50 years, enjoying their proximity to Lake Michigan. Their home was the gathering spot for many family get-togethers. Tom established a successful counseling practice in Valparaiso and also in Munster, Indiana.
Tom was an enthusiastic outdoors person, including hiking and camping. He took many trips with friends all over the United States. The couple enjoyed trips to many National Parks, especially in the Western United States. Tom will be remembered for his warm sense of humor, gracious hosting with friends and family and his love of the outdoors.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 12, 2024, 10:00 am at Angelcrest Cemetery Chapel, 180 E. 600 N., Valparaiso with Rev. Eric Schoech officiating. Family will greet guests from 9:30 – 10 am at the Chapel with a light luncheon following the ceremony. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Save the Dunes, 444 Barker Rd., Michigan City, IN 46360.
GUESTBOOK
So sorry for your loss. Tom was a sweet, good man and my heart is breaking for you and your family. -Pam Skaltsas
To know Tom was to love him. He will be sincerely missed. He was an especially close friend to Vic. -Mary Rini
Ihr Lieben, wir wollen Euch auf diesem Wege unser tiefstes Mitgefühl ausdrücken. Unsere Gedanken sind bei Euch als Familie. Ich bin dankbar, Toms Gastfreundschaft als Teenager genossen haben zu dürfen. Wir alle sind froh, Tom in Altena getroffen zu haben. Er hinterlässt eine großartige Familie, das konnten wir auf den Fotos diesen Sommer am Lake Michigan sehen. Eure, -Christoph, Anke, Lovisa, Liv und Karin
Dear Inge and family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Gott segne, -William and Sandra Breternitz
To us, Tom was a neighbor, friend and confidant. We shared good times playing card games, sharing meals, sharing stories at the burn pile, raising our families and watching out for each other . The family was always first with ,Tom, Inge, their children and grandchildren. Our sincere condolences and prayers for Tom and his family. < Hugs > -Chris and Larry Foxx
