Mr. Thomas F. Dahlhauser's Obituary
Thomas Francis Dahlhauser, age 56, died on April 26, 2021, at Skyline Hospital in Nashville after a short illness.
A graveside service will be held at Spring Hill Cemetery in Madison, TN, on Saturday, May 8, at 2:45 p.m.
Tom Dahlhauser was born in Schenectady, New York, on August 20, 1964, the seventh son and ninth of ten children of Arthur and Dr. Margaret Dahlhauser. He shared a birthday with his brother Eric, who was two years older but also passed away at the age of 56 in 2019.
Tom moved with his family from New York State to Scottsdale, Arizona, and then to Hendersonville, TN, spending the rest of his life in the Nashville area. He was born with an intellectual disability, but he did not receive preferential treatment. He was expected to do all the things his siblings did, like youth sports, household chores and helping in the yard. He attended Benton Hall High School and graduated from the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center in Smyrna, TN. He lived independently for most of his adult life. He held jobs at Mallard’s Family Restaurant in Madison, McDonald’s, Walmart, and Goodwill, mainly doing custodial work.
Tom loved his family above all and was a patient and loving uncle, who always had time for children and gave the most gentle hugs. He was always helpful to his parents and family. He would visit his parents almost daily to help them with chores. His beloved dog Lady was his faithful companion for more than 12 years. It broke his heart when she died just over a year ago. He loved to eat! He frequented every fast food restaurant on Gallatin Road from Rivergate to Inglewood. He loved seeing movies on the big screen and would hit one each week prior to the pandemic. He owned a cell phone once, but never quite figured it out and threw it in the trash. He preferred an old-fashioned landline and would call several members of his family daily. He loved to ask questions, especially how each family member was doing. He was a kind and gentle soul. He was a friend to anyone with a smiling face. He was grateful for the few things he had in this world and always thanked people for their help. He will be dearly missed by his family and anyone who had the privilege to meet him.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Dr. Margaret Dahlhauser; three brothers, Doug, Kevin, and Eric; by a beloved adopted sister, Lisa Ratte; and by his sister-in-law Rhonda Meservy Dahlhauser.
Survivors include his siblings, Greg (Terri), Deborah Williams (James), Mary, Stephen, Bryan and Paul (Glenda); and sisters-in-law Julie and Nancy. Nieces and nephews are Hart (Hillary), Hilarie Samei (Borhan), John (Debora), Justin (Kelsey), Michelle, Naomi Simmons, Nathan Jones (Ali), Jeremy Ratte (Angela), Saranna Cherry (Richie), Taylor Britt (Jimbo), Matthew, Samuel, Joel, Arin (Stephen Day), Jordan, Jennifer Knoll Salley, Andy, Lauren Heisler (Benjamin), Christopher, Ryan, and his namesake Thomas.
He also has 19 great-nieces and nephews and one great-great nephew.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Camp Marymount: https://www.paybill.com/campmarymount/donation
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