Thomas “Tom Brenner” Ashenbrenner

Tom Ashenbrenner (aka Tom Brenner), passed away on October 11 at the age of 69 years old. He was born in Milwaukee, WI.

 

Tom was a Dubuque radio personality from 1988 through 2017, using the on-air name Tom Brenner and known for his show Good Morning Rodeo. He had a love of both radio and music. Tom started both his radio career and playing music at the age of 15. Tom had a magnetic personality and made friends easily. He had a strong interest in local history and loved sharing his home with a variety of dogs, all Humane Society rescues.

 

Tom is survived by his wife Susan Anderson and sister Sharon Ashenbrenner Charles (Gary). He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him. Tom is further survived by his brothers-in-law Peter Anderson (Sara Minkoff) and Gary Charles, along with three nieces and a nephew and great-nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents.

 

The family would like to say a special thanks to the nurses and doctors in the ICU at Finley Hospital in Dubuque.

 

In remembrance of Tom’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the  Dubuque Regional Humane Society or your local historical society.

 

Online condolences for Tom’s family and friends may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

To honor Tom’s life, a private family service is being held.

21 comments on “Thomas “Tom Brenner” Ashenbrenner
  1. Jolene M Kilcoyne says:

    Susan,
    My heart goes out to you and your loved ones…including your fur babies. Tom was such a special person and a huge part of my life for many years. I am honored that we had the opportunity to work together on the “Good Morning Rodeo” for so many years. He loved you so much Susan. He always spoke so kindly of you. Know that our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Jolene and Peter

  2. Marla C. Cruise says:

    I can’t remember how or why Tom and I became friends on Facebook. I never met him in person but agreed with him on every topic that was discussed on his Facebook page. I will miss his wit and humor and I want his wife and family to know that he was loved by many that he had never met. You have my deepest sympathy.

  3. Mary Knope says:

    My sincere sympathy Sue and his family. Tom was a very kind, and loving person. I graduated from HS with him and knew him most of my life. May he have a blessed journey home.

  4. Sally Wiberg says:

    Sue,
    Our hearts are breaking for you and your loss.

    I will always remember how you and Tom welcomed us into your home wherever it was – Shawano, Madison, Petosky, Dubuque…and the good times we had just hanging out.
    We need to hang on to all the good memories we have – and there are plenty!

  5. Cynthia Wiese says:

    Susan, we are so sorry to hear of Tom’s illness and passing. We are grateful we got to see you both this summer. You and Tom have always been so kind and friendly for all the years we have known you. Our sincere sympathy and condolences to you and your family. We will be sending a contribution to the Humane Society in Tom’s memory. Love, Cindy and Linda

  6. Mark Munson says:

    I am heartbroken at the news of Tom’s passing. We shared some very awesome musical experiences with BC & the Blues Blasters, and I will never forget his towering stage presence. God Bless.

  7. Denise & John Mest says:

    John and myself are so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. We both so enjoyed visiting with you both. Our hearts go out to you and the family. Thoughts and prayers are with you.

  8. linda digman says:

    Susan, I am very sad to hear of the loss of Tom. I have fond memories when the radio station was on the top floor of the Fischer Building. What a fun group. You both were a dynamic couple. I remember your fabulous 4th of July party on Fenelon. I always think of Tom as a true Renaissance man. Your treasure chest of beautiful memories will always bring you comfort and strength, that I am sure of. Linda Digman.

  9. Kent Lee Berton says:

    To Susan, Sharon, and all who loved Tom, my deep sadness continues and my heartfelt condolences for your loss. When I heard of his diagnosis, my fear of this outcome was expressed in anger, because I knew he took precautions but that there were many out there still unvaccinated, putting him at risk despite his vaccination.

    My sorrow runs as deep as our history as friends and co-band mates along with Wayne Wasserman.

    I’ll miss everything about Tom, his personality was infectious, his humor ever-present, and his love of people genuine. All of this expressed during his stellar career as a radio personality and long term musician. His voice fit the blues he often sang!

    I will miss him daily until we meet again on the other side!
    RIP my dear Tom.

  10. Dino says:

    Susan, My deepest sympathies to you and your family. We shared a special love of the blues. Last time I saw you both was listening to Ivy Ford. He will be missed. May Tom rest in peace…

  11. Ken J. Peiffer says:

    Tom was not only a great co-worker, but a good friend. He brought light to the radio station every day. He was always to first to offer help and last one to complain. The world lost a little bit of sunshine with his passing. Fly high my friend. You will be greatly missed

  12. Susan,
    I’m heartbroken with Tom’s passing. Love you both.

  13. Patti Cahala says:

    I am so sorry to hear about Tom. My deepest sympathy.
    Patti (Mijal) Cahala

  14. Mary Lannoye says:

    Tom was a very gentle, kind, and loving man. Although I didn’t know him as well as the friends I met him through, He always struck me as the kind of person we should all strive to be. Rest in Peace, you had a positive impact on me.

  15. Maureen Annette Balke says:

    Tom was my best musical friend in high school–we sang lead roles in “Brigadoon”, did a production of “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” sang the Don Giovanni/Zerlina duet from the opera of the same name. He could really sing! Both classical and with his rock band–a real artist and colorful personality. He’ll be truly missed!

  16. Susan & Brian Lochen says:

    Dear Susan and Tom’s Family,
    Our hearts are breaking for all of you. We have known Tom since his band days with Kent & Wayne. He had an amazing presence! It was always so much fun and so interesting to be in his company! That fun was multiplied many-fold when Susan came into his life and we could hang out with the two of them together. They were perfectly matched!
    Susan, we are so sorry he was taken from you! We love you and we hope the strength of your wonderful relationship with Tom will hold you up during this sad sad time.

  17. Carrie Schmitt says:

    I am truly sorry for your loss, Susan. Covid has been sinister and cruel to so many of us, taking our loved ones despite the precautions we took. I have very fond memories of when Tom and Mike were band mates. My deepest sympathy to you. Peace.

  18. Paul Hemmer says:

    I was deeply saddened to learn of Tom’s passing. I always considered hiring Tom as one the best decisions I made. He became an important part of the WDBQ family and then blossomed into an unforgettable part of Dubuque radio history. We had many good times together and those early years. I deeply admired his creativity and sense of humor. His musicianship was exceptional and enjoyed by hundreds of blues & rock fans.

    The world is a better place because of his presence.

    Jan and I offer our sincere sympathy to Susan and his family and multitude of friends.

  19. Deb and Gary Droessler says:

    Many years ago we had the pleasure of meeting Tom and Susan on a radio station sponsored cruise. We would meet them for a cold beer in one of the two bars that offered beer. We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with a very interesting man and his lovely wife. Please accept our deepest sympathy.

  20. pat mulligan says:

    Susan, sympathies to you and your family. Tom helped me a lot with music and working with musicians. He will be missed by a lot of us.

  21. Sully says:

    Tommy,

    I am thankful for the time I was blessed to work with you! You were a great morning show partner and I will never forget the laughter! You will be missed and remembered!!

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