Thomas Hackett Knoche

MADISON-Thomas H. “Tom” Knoche passed away in Madison, Wis. on Thursday Nov. 9, 2017, at the age of 89.  He was born June 28, 1928, in Madison, to Adolph and Lucy (Hackett) Knoche.  Tom graduated from Madison East High School in 1946. He earned a B.A. and M.A. from the University of Wisconsin. He married Marilyn Meadowcroft in 1949 with whom he had five sons.  His career in teaching and coaching spanned 40 years at Boscobel High School, Cherokee Jr. High School, and Madison LaFollette High School.  Tom was a standout athlete in football, basketball and track at Madison East High School, where he was enshrined into their sports hall of fame.  He played baseball in the Madison Industrial League.  After graduating from UW-Madison he taught high school mathematics and coached basketball, football, baseball and track.   Tom was dedicated to his family and improving the lives of the many students and athletes he taught and coached.  He was a great husband and father especially to his son Jeff whom he and Marilyn cared for, for 40 years.  He also had the distinction to have played, refereed, and coached in the Wisconsin State High School basketball tournament.   He was a lifelong Cubs and Badgers fan. Tom was preceded in death by his eldest son, Brad (Mary Kay). He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marilyn; his sister, Virginia Piette of Midland, Texas;  sons, John (Patricia Cassiday) of Chicago, Gregg (Chris), Jeff, and David, all of Madison; as well as by 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.  Services were private.  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.