Thomas Mark Ehlert

Thomas Mark Ehlert April 20, 1948 – June 5, 2021 Thomas (Tom) Mark Ehlert was born April 20, 1948, in San Francisco, CA. He passed away June 5, 2021, in Sacramento, CA, at home, at the age of 73, due to prostate cancer, which he valiantly battled for many years and two life altering strokes he had in March 2020. Tom fiercely fought these health battles with the ultimate goal to live. He loved every aspect of life and his family. Tom was many things, but the proudest title he ever wore, was Dad to his beautiful daughter Elyse. He loved and adored her with every fiber of his being and treasured every moment he shared with her. She was his greatest accomplishment and his pride and joy. He met his wife, Michele, 39 years ago and they fell in love. Tom, being a man who did things over the top, elaborately proposed to her with a two-story giant gorilla, champagne and a helicopter ride for all to see at her place of employment, a memory which is fondly remembered to this day. He always introduced her as “his lovely bride,” and they had a beautiful love that will never be replaced. During the past 18 years, they vacationed as often as they could, creating profound memories of happier times that will be forever remembered. One of Tom’s true gifts was the deep, loving friendships he developed with most he met. Tom could easily generate a conversation with someone new and it would turn into a lasting friendship. He genuinely cared about his friends and was not afraid to tell them he loved them as well as share his love of God. Tom was a very proud man with strong leadership skills and unfailing integrity. He blessed us all with his wonderful sense of humor and always tried to make people at ease and smile. He was well educated, an avid reader, and a humble, deeply sentimental and spiritual man. A few of Tom’s accomplishments include obtaining his Ph.D., teaching at Sacramento State University, proudly serving in the US Navy for 11 years and then the US Army for 16 years with the 3rd Bn 12th Special Forces Group Airborne, until being permanently disabled due to a helicopter crash, Honor Graduate at Jump Master school, real estate broker, private business owner, past Master of Tehama Masonic Lodge #3, President of the Masonic Veteran Order National Sojourners Travis Chapter, Commander of the Patriot Heroes and NorCal Regional Representative for National Sojourners. In addition to Michele and Elyse, he is survived by his brother Philip (Lyn), sisters Dorothy and Phyllis (Dennis), sisters-in-law Lori Fanning and Gail Steffenhagen and many nieces. Services will be Tuesday, June 15 at Town & Country Lutheran Church, 4049 Marconi Avenue at 10:30 a.m., followed by lunch in the Friendship Hall. Tom would have worn a Hawaiian shirt and we will be following his example. On Wednesday, June 16 at 11:30 a.m., there will be a brief ceremony at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon. Please arrive 30 minutes prior. Please feel free to share this with anyone who knew and loved Tom. In lieu of flowers please share a memory with Tom's family or make a donation to SPCA.