Thomas Michael Goblirsch's Obituary
Thomas M. Goblirsch was born September 2, 1933, in Woodstock, Minnesota to Albert and Stella
Goblirsch. He grew up in Dunlop, Iowa, completed his Undergrad at Creighton University in Omaha.
Tom graduated from the University of Iowa, Dental School in 1957. He remained a long-time Iowa
Hawkeye fan. Following graduation, Tom joined the Navy and spent his service time with the Marines.
He returned to the University of Iowa for a specialized program in children’s dentistry, receiving a
certificate in pedodontics in 1961.
Tom married Germaine (Gerry) Tressel on June 17, 1961, at Sacred Heart Church in Dubuque, Iowa. They
honeymooned to Bakersfield, CA where Tom began his pedodontics practice. Tom and Carlie Long,
general dentist and close friend, established a dental partnership to serve the Bakersfield community.
Tom taught dentistry at UCLA and was President of Kern County Dental Society from 1968-1969. In
1969, Tom was honored with a Fellowship to the American Academy of Pedodontics. He was also
awarded a life membership in Psi Omega Dental Fraternity. Tom retired from dentistry in 1999 after 38
years of practice.
Apart from Tom’s professional life, he had many interests including gardening, sports, and spending
time with his family. Tom loved gardening and joined the Rose Society. When roses were in bloom, he
brought the roses into the house to the delight of his family. One would find a rose on the kitchen table
as well as in the girls’ room when they returned home from college. Tom also grew sago palms from
“pups” which could take two years for any new growth, showing an example of his patience. These sago
palms have found homes with family, friends and neighbors; some have reached a seven feet spread. He
would also donate the sago palms to charity fundraisers. During special liturgical seasons, Tom and
Gerry supplied Norfolk pine trees and other plants to the Mercy Chapel in Bakersfield.
Tom did many activities with his daughters. He supported Gerry and Gina as they traveled many weeks
and weekends during the summer to tennis tournaments for Gina. It was nice to come home to a
homemade dinner by Tom, after being on the road. Life is good. The family enjoyed skiing. Tom was an
encourager as he took the older girls on the black diamond slopes and then proceeded to snow plow
down the mountain. Tom loved to ride his bike. In later years, he enjoyed tennis and golf.
Bridge was a popular game that Tom and Gerry played with their family and friends. The game of Gin is a
family legacy, which Tom shared with his children and grandchildren. With his competitive spirit, he
would employ a slow and steady strategy and flash his huge loveable grin as he won the game. He also
enjoyed a friendly game of poker. Often times he would be called, “a card shark” as the coins jiggled in
his pocket.
Tom was a faithful husband and beloved father. His priorities were: commitment to God and faith,
morals, and family. He was given many gifts, especially calmness and patience. His patience became
perfected as he waited for his wife who was always late and again when she shopped. Gerry will tell you
that she married Tom for his subtle sense of humor. He always made her laugh. Tom and Gerry were
members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Bakersfield. They also
supported Garces Memorial High School and St. Vincent de Paul in their fundraising events. Tom was an
active member in the Kiwanis Club of Oildale, Bakersfield. Upon retirement, they joined St. James-St.
Leo Church and St. Thérèse of Carmel Church. Tom continued his dentistry by volunteering in the dental
clinic at St. Leo Parish. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus.
He is survived by his wife, Germaine; Children: Anne (Scott), Lisa (Tom), Gina (Vince); eight
grandchildren; two great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by
siblings: Monica, Virgil, Genevieve, Linus, Anne, Gregory and Jane. Survived by siblings: Lucille, Dorothy,
Mary, and Albert.
Family requests in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Tom to be given to St. Vincent de Paul or
charity of choice. Prayers for peace for our world and our country are greatly appreciated.
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