Thomas E. Rehl

REHL, Thomas E., 72, Land O’ Lakes, completed his earthly journey and entered the Kingdom on Monday, February 12, 2007 at 6:19 PM (exactly at sunset). He made his transition from his raised bed, positioned beside the wide expanse of windows at home overlooking his beloved and beautiful Lake Toni. As a graduate of Capital University and Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Tom completed more than 46 years of pastoral ministry following his ordination into the Christian Ministry in 1960. For nearly 20 years he served congregations in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. During the last 19 years of his professional career he was on the administrative staff of Capital University as the director of Planned Giving. At retirement he was credited with raising over $50 million in support of the mission of the university. Later during his “reFirement” years he continued to lead numerous volunteer activities at local, community and state levels, including serving on the board of Lutheran Services Florida. Additionally, he assisted with the family business, Rehl Financial Advisors. Tom’s noteworthy accomplishments and achievements are simply too numerous to enumerate on this limited page. He knew God wants to move us beyond words to action. And that’s what Tom was — an action guy who made good things happen! Tom was simply born to do mission and ministry. Suffice it to say he has truly made a tremendous difference in our world through the myriad of people he touched. (If you like, can pick up a more detailed listing during the upcoming Sunday memorial service.) Tom is survived by his wife and soul mate, Kathleen Rehl. Sons are John Rehl of Minneapolis, Will Rehl of Denver; and step-son Tshilumba Ngandu of Makati City, Philippines. Brothers are Ted Rehl of Sarasota and Fred Rehl of Columbus, OH. His daughter, Deborah Rehl, died previously. An Ohio native, Tom moved to Florida in 1998. A service to celebrate the grace of God and the gift of eternal life as lived through Tom Rehl will be held on Sunday at 4:00 PM at Grace Lutheran Church, 3714 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa, FL. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 3:45PM in the Grace Chapel. Instead of flowers, please consider a lasting legacy donation to the following charitable organizations that were especially important for Tom: · Grace Lutheran Church Mission Endowment Fund 3714 W. Linebaugh Ave Tampa, FL 33618 · Capital University for the Rehl Family Endowed Scholarship Fund 1 College and Main Columbus, OH 43209-2394 · Lutheran Services Florida 627A West Waters Ave. Tampa, FL 33614 · Hernando-Pasco Hospice 12107 Majestic Blvd. Hudson, FL 34667 ·