KENOSHA- Thomas Reisenauer, 80, of Kenosha, passed away on April 28, 2016.
Tom was born in Mandan, North Dakota to the late George and Clara (Berger) Reisenauer on April 28, 1936. In 1994, he married Priscilla Krahn in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Tom graduated from St. Catherine's High School in 1954. He enlisted in the Navy in 1955 and served two years in active duty. He went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Dominican College and postgraduate work at Loyola University in Chicago, IL, Murray State University in Murray, KY and a summer session sponsored by Utah State University in Oaxaca, Mexico. He taught Spanish and English for 34 years at Union Grove High School where he coached basketball, football, track & field and golf.
He was an avid golfer and played basketball many years in the Racine recreational leagues. He loved to cook, supplying lunches for the St Catherine's Alumni group. He also loved riding his motorcycle and going on cross country trips with his brother Don.
Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Richard, sisters-in-law Mary Reisenauer and Debbie Reisenauer, and his parents.
Tom is survived by his wife Priscilla; his son Mark (Stephanie) of Lindenhurst, IL; his daughters Vicki (John) Chadwick of Waukesha and Becky (James) Kretschmer of Burlington; stepson Justin (Shereen) Lannoye of Skokie, IL; brothers William (Sandra) of Littleton, CO, David of Sandpoint, ID, and Donald of Racine; sister Irene (Louis) Torresin of Summerfield, FL; and his much loved grandchildren Natalia, Cade, Harrison, Nathan, Grady, Carmen, Amanda, Nikki, Payton, Madison, Sophia and Joaquin.
Visitation will be held at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on May 7, 2016 between 1:00pm and 3:00pm with service to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Friends of Angels, Ltd (St. Catherine's Alumni House), 1220 Villa St. Racine, WI 53403.
Isolina Jackson says
My condolences. Se̱or R was a fabulous teacher and mentor.
Vaya Con Dios
Maryellen Carlson says
My condolences. So sorry for your loss. Rest in peace, Tom.
Mary Jo King says
My condolences to the family of Tom Reisenauer, who taught Spanish to me for two years at Union Grove High School. He was a favorite among us��_an excellent classroom manager who had the respect of his students. He saw us as individuals and made us laugh as we learned.
I wonder if he knew how much we enjoyed his tangents. A well-crafted question could result in a long travel story that took us far outside our rural Wisconsin lives.
43 years later, I can still see him standing tall at the front of the room, practicing his golf stroke during a pause in the action. It makes me smile. Every student should have a Tom Reisenauer for inspiration. Thank you, sir.
Regina Dabbs says
My condolences to your family. Senor Reisenauer was a continued inspiration even after I left high school; encouraging me to continue with Spanish. I can see him “practice” golfing between classes in the hall @ UGHS! He will be missed. Puede el descansar en paz.
Steve Reisenauer says
I have many fond memories of Uncle Tom. I recall the many humorous stories that he told. Over the years, the stories tended to repeat but I continued to enjoy them regardless of how often I heard them. Also, I am thankful for the kindness and support that Uncle Tom & family extended to my siblings and me while our mother recovered from medical issues many years ago. He will be missed but always remembered with a smile. Uncle Tom & family are in my prayers.
Jacki from Puntillo's says
Priscilla, I always loved talking to Tom. Even in the last year s,My prayers are with you after loosing your Tues. pizza date.
Kevin Kubera says
I just saw this. Mr. Reisenauer was one of my favorite teachers in high school, and I still remember to this day much of the Spanish he taught me.