Colonel Ralph Thomas Tomberg, Sr.

Colonel Ralph Thomas “Tom” Tomberg Sr., loving husband, father grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend.

Ralph Thomas “Tom” Tomberg Sr. passed away September 15, 2024 at the age of 92 in Tacoma, Washington. Tom was born on December 13, 1931 in Oakland, California to John A. Tomberg and Catherine E. (Uskoski) Tomberg.  He was preceded in death by his parents, son Ralph T. Tomberg Jr., brother Norbert J. Tomberg, sister Betty Lou Ellis, sister-in-law Laurene E. Leal, and brothers-in-law J. Keith and Donald A. Leal.  He was soon followed in death, just three weeks later, by his wife of 71 years Barbara Anne (Leal) Tomberg. He is survived by his granddaughter Thomasine C. Wolfgram, sister Patricia A. Iannello, sister-in-law Janet M. Leal, brother-in-law Charles R. Ellis, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tom graduated from Grant High School in Sacramento, California in 1950. He graduated from Grant Technical College in 1952, earned a BA in Psychology from California State University Sacramento in 1963, and a Master’s in Public Administration from Shippensberg University in Pennsylvania in 1973. Tom also graduated from the British Army Staff College and the US Army War College.  Tom served 32 years of reserve and active military service including 2½ years in Vietnam, 3 years in Germany and one year in England. After retirement he volunteered to serve as an arbitrator with the Better Business Bureau for two years, as a member of the North End Neighborhood Council for four years, and as a Board member and President of the North Slope Historic District in Tacoma, WA for four years.

Tom was commissioned a Field Artillery Officer upon graduation from Officer Candidate School.  His duty assignments included Hawaii, Oklahoma, California, Vietnam, Germany, England, and Washington, D.C.

His awards and decorations include: Air Medal w/V Device, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal w/2 Oak Leaf Cluster, National Distinguished Service Medal, Vietnam Medal w/4 Campaign Stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Joint Chief of Staff Identification Badge.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1124 N. J Street, Tacoma, Washington on November 13, 2024 at 11:00 AM.  Burial will follow at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington on November 14, 2024 at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial or donation to Catholic Community Services, St. Vincent De Paul, or a charity of your choice.