Thomas Rommelmeyer, 65

Thomas James Rommelmeyer, 65, born Feb. 17, 1949 in Menomonie, Wisconsin, died Monday, May 12, 2014 in his Fredericksburg home after a three year battle with cancer.

Tom was an ordained minister, missionary to Africa, U.S. East Coast regional Director of International Missions Alliance, missionary to Israel and Assistant Director at Stella Carmel with the British ministry CMJ near Haifa, Israel, Bible study/small group leader and servant leader. Tom graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. He has always been drawn to caring for and helping others. Early on Tom worked as Educator and Behavioral Counselor at St. Vincent’s Place and at St. Agatha’s Home for Boys in NY. He helped build Camp Friendship in Palmyra. He worked as Patient Advocate and caregiver at the Children’s Rehab Center in Charlottesville. He was a Probation Counselor and Correctional Treatment Specialist for Adolescents at the Crisis Intervention Center and Newport News Detention Home in South Eastern VA. In Menomonie, Wisconsin, at the Dunn County Health Care Center, he started the Woodworking Shop for In-patients as well as served as Patient Advocate and Behavioral Health Specialist in Northern Virginia-Fairfax County, he worked as Case Manager for the Handicapped and Mentally Challenged, and was Program Director for Wellspring Ministries and Group Home parent for the Handicapped. Most recently he has worked as Mental Health Therapist and Crisis Counsellor at INOVA Mt. Vernon and INOVA Fairfax Hospitals in their Psych and Substance Abuse Units. Tom’s life was characterized by his servant heart with a desire to build and encourage others, heal broken and battered spirits and resolve personal conflicts. His focus was always on the needs of others.

Tom is survived by his wife, Marla; his daughter, Christa, sisters Cathy Jungwirth of Wisconsin, Peg Johnson of Bristow, Brenda Akers of Louisa County and Pam Rommelmeyer of Gordonsville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 14 at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg.

A service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 15 at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.