Tommy Schlaefli

🕊️ In Loving Memory of Tommy Lascelle Schlaefli "Tom"

May 21, 1942 – September 15, 2025 Age 83 | Las Cruces, New Mexico

Tommy Lascelle Schlaefli, lovingly known as "Tom," passed away on September 15, 2025, in Las Cruces, New Mexico, at the age of 83.

Born on May 21, 1942, in Vallejo, California, Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Alberta Jane Towle and Lyle Leon Schlaefli, as well as his sister, Gigi Hill. He married his sweetheart, Minel Christine Michael, on January 24, 1970, in Seboyeta, New Mexico. Together, they built a beautiful life in Las Cruces with their three; daughters Heleme Christine Brinkerhoff (married to Bruce Patrick Brinkerhoff), Joslene Dee Gomez (married to José “Pep” Gomez), and Cie’na Minel Schlaefli (married to Ernesto Francisco Porras). He also leaves behind three adored grandchildren: Orion Hunter Masingale, Sol Sascha Schlaefli-Porras, and Diamanda Minel Schlaefli-Porras. Additionally, he is survived by his nieces and nephew: Belinda Gamboa, Celeste Hill, and Scott Hill. He was also surrounded and supported by a tremendously large, loving Lebanese family. He was preceded in death by his mother and father in law Pauline Hanosh Michael, Azize Michael, his brother in law Paul Michael and is survived by brother in laws James Michael (Deborah), and Edward Michael. He was also cherished and loved by many nieces and nephews through marriage. Additionally he was preceded in death by 18 corvettes manufactured between the years 1963 and 2018.

Tom proudly served in the United States Navy and was honorably discharged on May 15, 1963. Following his military service, he dedicated himself to public safety as a Department of Transportation Officer with the New Mexico State Police. His excellence in the field was recognized through multiple “Top Gun” awards during this time. .

An ambitious entrepreneur, Tom also owned and operated a successful international mobile home transportation business and several mobile home parks.

Tom was a proud member of the American Legion, the State Police Brotherhood, and an active member in his community. Known for his honesty, love for all creatures (great and small), and his wacky sense of humor, Tom was the subject of countless cherished (and often hilarious) anecdotes among friends and family.

Tom lived a full and meaningful life. His legacy of love, laughter, and strength lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

We will be honoring this incredible man’s life with a celebration of life and luncheon at the New Mexico Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs Rd Las Cruces, NM 88011 on November 8th, 2025 at 11:00 am.