Thomas Dean Heldstab
Obituary

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Thomas Dean Heldstab, who passed away on August 18, 2026, in Houston, Texas, due to heart failure. He passed away in his home with his loving wife, daughter and granddaughter by his side.  Born in Missouri on March 8, 1954, Tom lived a life marked by perseverance, devotion to his family, and a lifelong curiosity about the world.

Tom built a successful career starting off as a Certified Public Accountant and later moving into IT for Pappadeaux before retiring.  He took great pride in being the first person in his family to attend college, working hard to pay for his education on his own. His determination carried him through difficult times, and he was especially proud of overcoming life's challenges so he could be present for his daughters, grandchildren, and the family he loved so deeply. He also took great pride in preparing for life changes related to his declining health, motivated by his desire to provide security for his beloved wife, Dan Li.

He had many interests that brought him joy. Tom loved motorcycles, reading, keeping up with world events, learning, and hanging out with his neighbors and his family.  He loved Costco and Amazon and was always anticipating future needs or fun finds.  He enjoyed discovering new and innovative products and was very tech savvy. His quick wit, intelligence, and vast knowledge made him someone others enjoyed talking with, and his sense of humor left a lasting impression on those who knew him. He was a big Texans fan later in his life after being a long time Chiefs fan and he never missed a televised game. 

Above all else, Tom loved his family. He cherished his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and his brothers. Though he experienced a difficult childhood, he devoted his heart to those he loved, giving everything he had to his family. He had a big heart and was deeply loved in return.

Tom would want to be remembered as a funny and intelligent man. While he could be stubborn at times, that same determination often gave him the strength to overcome obstacles and accomplish what mattered most to him.  He made the choice to move to Texas to be near his first grandchild and ended up meeting his amazing wife.  He suffered many hard days with pain from his accident, but he had happiness through it all because he had DanLi by his side.   

He is lovingly survived by his wife, Dan Li; his oldest daughter, Tommi Heldstab; his youngest daughter, Joie Onstead; his grandchildren, Avery, Rune, Collins, Blocker, and Jacksyn; his stepson, Peng Zhan; and his brother, John Heldstab.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marjorie and William Heldstab, and his brothers, Bill and Danny Heldstab.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Memorial Church of Christ, 900 Echo Lane, Houston, TX 77024.

Tom's love, resilience, humor, and dedication to his family will be remembered always. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.