Thomas P Schomisch

MADISON-Thomas P. Schomisch, age 70, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, January 4, 2015. Tom, the oldest of four children, was born to Sgt. Paul and Jeanette Tollefson Schomisch at Camp Grant, Rockford, Ill., on June 5, 1944, while his father served in the Army Medical Corp. He grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Kiel, Wis., and graduated from St. Gregory High School, St. Nazianz, Wis., in 1962. After earning a B.S. degree in Dairy Science (1966) and M.S. degree in Agricultural Journalism (1967) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he was named the first Director of Public Relations for Lake to Lake Dairy Cooperative, Manitowoc. In 1974 he accepted a position with the U.W. Center of Cooperatives, U.W. – Extension on the UW-Madison campus where he developed education programs for cooperative directors, employees and managers. Upon completing a Ph.D. in Mass Communications in 1983, he also joined the faculty of the U.W. Agricultural Journalism Department. Professor Schomisch taught advertising, market research and marketing campaign courses. His collegues elected him department chair in 1999. He retired in 2004. He served as advisor for the National Agri-Marketing Association student chapter for 17 years. The NAMA chapter won the Outstanding Chapter award 9 years and was a finalist in the marketing plan competition 6 times. The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences recognized his work with students naming him Outstanding Student Advisor in 1996. Dr. Schomisch was named Outstanding National NAMA Advisor in 1997 and 2003. He devoted his career to communication and cooperatives. He was elected as a member of the board of directors of Group Health Cooperative for 37 years and for Farm Credit Associations for 14 years. The Wisconsin Federation of Cooperatives awarded him their Cooperative Builder Award for lifetime service to cooperatives in 2005. Beyond his work, Tom was an active member of Madison West Kiwanis and alumni director for Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. An avid golfer, Tom served on advisory boards for Hawks Landings and University Ridge golf courses. He enjoyed cheering for the Badgers, Packer, Brewers and Bucks. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Gail and daughters Kathleen (Michael) Jensen and Kristin (Christopher) Passaro; grandchildren, Amanda and Tyler Jensen; Isabella and Carmella Passaro; sisters Carol (Ken) Spitz and Helen (Tom) Kroening; brother Don and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Jeanette Schomisch. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 Everglade Drive, Madison, at 11 AM on Thursday, January 8, 2015 with Father Bart Timmerman presiding. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave, Middleton from 4 PM until 6 PM on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 and also at the church on Thursday from 10 AM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation on Tom’s behalf at the University of Wisconsin Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity Education Foundation, http://wisconsinagr.com/home. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608)831-6761