L. Thomas "Tom Gerber" Tengblad

L. Tengblad ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Edmonds & Evans Funeral Homes - Chesterton Chapel on Mar. 10, 2026.L. Thomas "Gerber" or "Tom" Tengblad, age 82, of Porter, Indiana, passed away on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, in Chesterton, Indiana. He was born on May 24, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, to Leonard and Marjorie (née Davis) Tengblad. Gerber married Carole (née Lilley) Gibbs on September 4, 1998, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Chesterton, Indiana.In addition to his loving wife of 27 years, Carole Tengblad, Gerber is survived by his sister, Joan Brocksmith-Klein of Bourbonnais, Illinois; nephew, Paul Brocksmith of Evanston, Illinois; aunt, Dorothy Ragsdale of Monticello, Indiana; beloved dachshund, Dolly; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Ralph Klein; nephew, David Brocksmith; and many beloved pets, Boots, Brutus, Peralie, Diamond, Daisy, Snoopy, Princess, and Khloe.Gerber was a retired member of Teamsters Local #142 and was employed with the local for 60 years. He worked as an owner-operator and drove throughout the United States for many years before later driving locally. He eventually worked as a contracted driver in the steel mills of Northwest Indiana.He was a member of St. Ann of the Dunes Catholic Church in Beverly Shores, Indiana. Gerber was also an honorary veteran of the United States Air Force and an honorary 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. In addition, he was a member of the Chesterton American Legion Post #170, Michigan City Moose Lodge #980, and Elks Lodge #1291 in Lakeland, Florida.A 1962 graduate of the Duneland School System, Gerber excelled as a cross-country athlete during his high school years. He later became a track and field official and enjoyed many hours of continued involvement in the sport on the "other side of the watch." Gerber was always willing to assist with the training and support of future athletes in the Duneland school system.Gerber was a lifelong Cubs fan and was grateful to live long enough to see the team win the 2016 World Series. He was also a Gary SouthShore RailCats fan where you would find him with his buddy, Tom. Tom and Tom could be found in seats 5 & 6 in Section 105, Terrace Seats. He enjoyed following sports throughout every season. A tremendous animal lover, he always kept dog cookies in his truck or pants pocket to share with the neighborhood dogs as they walked their owners along the streets of Indiana or through the RV park in Polk City, Florida. Camping was another passion he enjoyed throughout his life, first with his parents and later with his wife, Carole. After retiring in 2008, he became a Florida snowbird and made many additional friendships there.Gerber was known for his unique and contagious laugh that could light up any room. He never met a stranger and was known as a kind and gentle soul. He loved life, his telephone, his friends, and his God.A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, 517 Broadway, Chesterton.Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 23, 2026, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 638 N. Calumet Avenue, Chesterton, with Fr. Jon Plavcan officiating. Inurnment will follow in Chesterton CemeteryIn lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gerber's memory to Dunes Hospice in Valparaiso, Indiana; St. Ann of the Dunes Catholic Church in Beverly Shores, Indiana; or Midwest Dachshund Rescue in Highland, Indiana.The family would like to extend special thanks to Dunes Hospice for the care and support provided during the final month of his life, as well as the staff at Ignite Medical Resort in Chesterton, Indiana.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.