T.O. was the best educator I ever encountered, bar none. In the nearly 30 years since I left Tosa East, I imagine not more than a few weeks passed without me utilizing the knowledge or advice he had bestowed upon me. He was a great teacher and a great man, who made it no secret in class or out that he loved his family very much. I realize the sadness I feel pales in comparison to what you’re going through (I lost my father 10 years ago Friday), but T.O.’s loss will be felt far and wide. Because he meant a lot to so many. I hope you and your family work through the sadness of this difficult time. Thank you, T.O. for inspiring me to think critically, work hard, have fun and think of and respect others. You are missed! – Brian Fraley via Facebook

I had TO for Government. I will never forget his engaging, passionate presentation of material. I also remember his throwing erasers and chalk (playfully really) at less than attentive students. He had a way of joking and teasing that was effective and funny without being taken as mean. You knew he cared and wanted you to care about what he was teaching. I will also remember forever his statement on voting and public opinion that “The masses are asses”. I took away from this that we each need to make informed, educated opinions about the world around us and not rely on public opinion to guide us. I think this is so true for teens especially and remains true for adults. We have minds and TO wanted us to engage them to make our world better. I know that teens can be a tough group sometimes to get this happening with, but we are all so much better for his having been our teacher. – Michelle Tahtinen

He touched many lives throughout his life. May his transition be as pain free as possible. Blessings to you and your family during this time. – Kristen Lipsey via Facebook

Your dad was my favorite teacher in high school, and Carrie was my friend in college. I’m sorry to hear this news about your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. – Sonnet Schmidt Edmonds via Facebook

TO Rondeau’s “govie” class inspired me to think seriously about a career in D.C. I was already involved in politics locally, but the way he taught was so motivational, and the thought of being in the thick of politics really began to excite me the more I learned in class. After just one semester at UW-Milwaukee, I applied for a job in Senator Bill Proxmire’s D.C. office and got it. I ended up working in D.C. for eight years, and when TO came to D.C. with Tosa East students, I used to ride on the bus with them and catch up with him. He has truly been an unforgettable influence in my life. TO signed my yearbook saying that when I became President, not to forget “that crazy govie teacher… what was his name??!?” – something like that. He always brought such a great sense of humor to the classroom – kicking people’s chairs when they nodded off and goofing around playfully at times – and yet had such intensity when he asked tough questions or was working hard to help us understand something. You could see and feel the passion in his teaching, always. He was one of the most passionate, engaging, enthusiastic, entertaining teachers I’ve had in my lifetime. He greatly influenced my life. – Mary Jane (Condon) Clark

Your dad is an outstanding man & is one of the few teachers who made a huge positive impact on my life. So sorry to hear about his illness & will be sure to keep him in our prayers. – John Cote via Facebook

I was only at Tosa East for two years, but T.O. had an impact on me as well. When I was signing up for classes the administrator I was working with told me to make sure to take American Government. Thanks in large part to him I quickly felt a part of the Tosa East family. At the time I did not even know where Elm Grove was, but to this day I cannot think of the city with hearing him say the phrase “Tree lined Elm Grove.” – Chris Barlow

I am so saddened to hear the news about T.O. He is a great man. Please let him know that the “Lurk” girl is thinking of him. – Jennifer Lierk Mayhew via Facebook

Crazy rewarding to see that (sometimes in spite of ourselves :)) we all turned out to be thoughtful, loving, compassionate beings. I’m forever grateful for the experience of growing up together in a time and place where we could challenge the intellectual, social, and spiritual quo with reckless abandon. Lifetime beneficiaries of all who pushed us to think critically beyond the text. Thomas O – your legacy is alive and well. – John Bevington

T.O. Rondeau, that name brings me back! My prayers for him, for you and the rest of his family. Great teacher. – Michele Tschopp via Facebook

So hard to read about the struggles and loss of great teachers from our past :(. I can’t look at a donut/shneck or consider yin/yang without thinking of Mr. Rondeau. We were so lucky to know them and to learn from them. In return, I hope they know how much they truly meant to each of us.

Please let Rondeau’s family know that he made learning so much fun. His class was one of the ones EVERYONE wanted to take! He was excited to teach and thrilled when we showed we were paying attention and got a difficult point he was trying to make. What a pioneer to teach a course on Chinese studies, way before much of the country really understood our truly global economy and various culture differences. Of course, donuts added the perfect kick to his class. May schnecks follow him wherever he goes :).- Sue Weinshenker (Kreif)

My husband helped take care of your dad at West Allis Hospital a couple weeks ago. I went to Tosa East and knew your dad. Our prayers are with you and your family. – Mary Beth Hoban via Facebook

TO had the extremely rare gift to open all our minds and challenged us to actually think about the world and our role in it. I do believe I am a better and changed person and know more about China than most people! ( I did not have TO for American Government but I was a student in his Chinese Studies class! – Beth Thomas Matkom

I recall the time T.O. let us hold him up so he could “swim” past the windows in the library! That crazy librarian (who ate her eye brow hair) must have been going crazy. Great memories… – Ed Price

I was a student of Tom’s Russian History class in 1961. Many great experiences with TO. One of the books we had to read was “The Good Earth” by Pearl S Buck. One day TO directed a question to me. “Who wrote The Good Earth”? I knew who wrote it, but I blurted out Pearl Bailey! When the class started to roar and TO was having a conniption fit I realized what I said. In the past 5 years I have had a number of breakfast’s with him when I get into MKE. We still get a laugh out of that day. Quite a guy! Did you know that he was selected the Social Studies Teacher of the year NATIONALY, and was suppose to be on the Today program. He and Sally were flown out to NYC and treated like royalty. When it came time for his 15 minutes of fame, the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy occurred and he was preempted. Even though the rest of America didn’t get to know about him, we had him all to ourselves! – Charlie Baumann, Class of ’62

Such a great teacher! – Evelyn Schmechtig Cochran via Facebook

Mr. Rondeau made a subject I was indifferent to taking exciting and relevant. His trust in letting the Seniors run the Commons during Honor Study Hall meant a lot. And the stories! I recall a story he relayed about missing the boat on becoming a millionaire. I cannot remember the exact circumstances, but decades ago he passed on an opportunity to partner in on or solely open a McDonalds franchise on Moorland accross the road from the then new development of Brookfiel Square. As loved as he was by his students, he ended up a far richer man than those millions could have made him. He is one of those teachers one never forgets. – Jayne Bachmann Larson via Facebook

Thank you for the update, I am saddened by the post and rest assured, Mr. Rondeau, your father had such great impact on SO many young people, his legacy lives on and on. He is in my heart and prayers. – Dan J. Leunig via Facebook

I graduated from East in 1970 — and he was my all time favorite teacher — because of him, I took Chinese history in college, and I studied to be a historian. Because of him, I wanted to teach history and did for almost 15 years. He was my role model. And because of the interest in China he instilled, when I sought to adopt children to start a family, I adopted two spirited Chinese daughters. He taught us to be interested in everything, open minded, and to look at everything without a jaundiced eye, and with humor. A rare human and a rarer teacher. How lucky we were to have him. What a loss. – Jennifer Doyle

I am very sorry to hear, a very hard decision to make. My prayers are with you and your family. – Joanne Klink via Facebook

Your dad was one of the reasons I became a teacher. He touched so many and his way was thoughtful and purposeful. When he first had us read “The Good Earth,” I looked at him funny, but as I read the book, I understood what he was trying to teach through its story. T.O. was trying to make a difference by instilling a conscience in young minds. He helped us realize that we are responsible for our choices, and that learning from history was vital to going forward. I wish you strength as you help your dad on this part of his journey. – Laurie Kushner via Facebook

I clearly remember the day he taught us about frame of reference and how it affected a person’s viewpoint and actions. That is a lesson that I have used in my life to understand others. I appreciate TO so much. – Lynda Travis Kusick via Facebook

I just saw him at our 20th class reunion, 5 years ago already. I’ll never forget “Kiss the ring!” In 1988 we had an Italian exchange student in our class, Emmanuel Pavoloni. TO was fascinated with Emme! I learned a lot about Machiavelli from the two of them bantering back and forth. Proud to have been his student. Thank you, Mr. Rondeau. – Tracy Holz Oerter

I too, like many others, was influenced greatly by Mr. Rondeau and his “brilliant” lectures. I didn’t get the best grades in high school, but despite myself, ended up writing training curriculum and teaching in the corporate world for many years. I found myself at times thinking of him as I delivered lectures that I hoped were also perceived to be brilliant by those I taught. His ability to paint incredible word pictures combined with a sense of humor second to none created the perfect formula for motivating countless students to appreciate the importance of learning and succeeding in life. In so many ways, he helped me become a better man. – Mike Cerny via Facebook

I may not remember dates of wars or treaties, but I will never forget that Peter the Great was so tall that he stuck out of both ends of his tent and that he had a twitch (which was demonstrated every time his name came up). A dearer man than Tom Rondeau would be hard to find. My sister, Amy Albright, and I have laughed for the last 40+ years over “Rondeauisms” like “cum lacta, with the mother’s milk” referring to cultural knowledge passed down thru the generations. He’d say it and kind of flip his hand in the air–same thing every time. I was Class of ’68 and had him for HEEMEA. Hope someone in my class remembers his story about thinking he had a venereal disease when he was 9 years old (it had nothing to do with sex). It was so funny, but I don’t remember the details. He was one of the most genuinely sweet men I’ve ever met. What a loss–the world needs more Tom Rondeaus. Talk about a life that made a difference. Be at peace, TO. And thank you. – Jane Emmerich via Facebook

I am so sorry to learn this. One of the very few teachers who motivated me to learn. I remember the day he brought his mega audio speakers to class so we could listen to Russian classic music as it was meant to be heard. My prayers to him and his family. – Laura A. Craig via Facebook

Staggering and overwhelming impact from one human being on the lives of many as evidenced by the incredible insight and elegance shared….coincidence? I think not. Would John Hughes be alive today I’d love to see how he’d portray on the silver screen that which TO embodied as the antithesis to the closing lines of “The Breakfast Club”:

“Dear (insert virtually any adult/teacher name circa 1985 here), We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. But we think you’re crazy to make an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us… In the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions…”

But what T.O. found out is that each one of us is a brain…and an athlete…and a basket case…a princess…and a criminal… – Brian Kludt

Your father was one of the best!! Chinese studies was the best. “T.O. Rondeau!!! He was so passionate about his work!! – Amy Washcovick via Facebook

There are 31 chapters in the book of Proverbs. As such, I try to read the chapter in Proverbs that corresponds with the date every day as part of my time in the Bible. Interestingly (to me anyway), today’s chapter, Proverbs 22:1 says this: “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” How appropriate for Mr. Rondeau in light of the story you just shared. – Mike Cerny via Facebook

So sorry. It’s not just right! My prayers and I know the rest of my brothers are with the family. He was so meaningful to us all especially my brother Mark Van Roo. God bless. That old SOB can still pull through this! – Scott Van Roo via Facebook

T.O. Was my favorite teacher at Tosa East. He woke me up to history and current events, politics and the cold war like nobody else. His kick to my chair when I started falling asleep in his class forced me to get involved. Thank you Mr Rondeau! – Dan Bye via Facebook

He truly was a wonderful man and teacher. I learned so much from him and really enjoyed his class. – Holly Kay Licht

I remember reading “The Good Earth” in his class. He was such a great teacher.! I remember when he came in to the dining room at Marshall Fields at Mayfair one summer night with his family. I waited on his table. The weather station predicted a bad storm was brewing and he was nervous he had to get home before the rain began. – Tory James via Facebook

Mr. Rondeau at Tosa East was such an excellent Instructor. He taught many courses at East but I found Urban Studies to be the most interesting. His distinct style of teaching, and communicating info with High School Students made him a respected favorite with so many. I still use the skills he taught us to this very day. – Amy Dean via Facebook

I was a terrible student while at East and ultimately wound up dropping out – completely uninterested in school. There are only a few things I remember positively about East and one of the biggest is Mr. Rondeau. He was a very engaging teacher, totally interested in the subject matter and his students. I actually had fun in his class, especially engaging in debate with him. I now work for the judicial system and I’d like to think that Mr. Rondeau’s influence had a little to do with that. He was a fabulous teacher. – Didi Duffy Benedict

Such a great teacher! – Evelyn Schmechtig Cochran via Facebook

I just spent 90 minutes at Hospice with precious Tom Rondeau and I promise you I said everything you would have said to him and I even named you by name if you recently made a comment about his impact on you…he knows that we all love him, what a huge impact he made on us, that he inspired so many of you to become teachers, and I told him we will never ever forget him. He absolutely heard it all because I repeated it about 10 different ways. Thanks to all of you who are praying…he is one amazing man…strong to the end! – Carolyn Richards Chamberlin via Facebook

One of my favorites as well as my sister, who had him as a ‘76 grad and I took his Western Civ class in ‘82. Still has an impact! – Ann Grottveit via Facebook

I never had the pleasure of having a class with Mr. Rondeau, but he was already legendary when I went to East from ’78 to ’81. Everyone raved about what a great teacher he was—and an even better person. God bless him. – Joy Olson Buford via Facebook

I am now sitting in a restaurant in Beijing writing this. For all intents and purposes, I have spent the past 38 years of my life in Taiwan/China as a direct result of sitting in Mr Rondeau’s classes. He “turned me on” to China. His motivation, his passion, care and concern, an intellect wrapped in humanity – how could one not be impacted by him? It is a real testament to his positive influence that so many of his students over the years have come out to sing his praise. My prayers are with Tom and his family. I am where I am and doing what I am doing because of Mr Rondeau. How many people have that kind of impact on a person’s life? I feel my words come up well short of how I feel right now. But I also feel that I am connected to hundreds if not thousands of individuals who were touched by Tom’s passion as an educator, as a friend and just a wonderful person. – Mark Van Roo via Facebook

I took every class he taught – would have taken 100 more if possible. And if he had been a math teacher I would have been good at it! If he thought we weren’t paying attention during class he would throw up his hands and exclaim “People are you with me????? Mr. Rondeau we were ALWAYS with you and you will always be with us. – Holly Beyer

I still think if him any time there is any mention of “The Good Earth”. I also vividly remember one of his favorite lines “Kiss the ring” Remembering TO very fondly! – Erika Monteleone via Facebook

Yes! I remember “The Good Earth” as well! One of my favorite reads in life. He was a great teacher, so excited to share his life in China. He was by far my most favorite teacher. He will be missed, but I know he is on his way to Heaven. God Bless to his family, friends and students. It was an honor to know him, if only for a short semester. I’ve never forgotten him, and I never will. – Amy Bigelow via Facebook

I’m devastated. I graduated from East in 1970 — and he was my all time favorite teacher — because of him, I took Chinese history in college, and I studied to be a historian. Because of him, I wanted to teach history and did for almost 15 years. He was my role model. And because of the interest in China he instilled, when I sought to adopt children to start a family, I adopted two spirited Chinese daughters. He taught us to be interested in everything, open minded, and to look at everything without a jaundiced eye, and with humor. A rare human and a rarer teacher. How lucky we were to have him. What a loss.- Jennifer Doyle

Mr. Rondeau was definitely a favorite teacher of mine during my time at Tosa East. Always looked forward to his brilliant lectures in his “History of Eastern Europe” class. He, along with “Boss”, had a profound influence on me. The passion he displayed for teaching helped to shape me into the teacher I became during my 25 year run out here in Colorado. He will be missed. – Scott Sperry via Facebook

I was fortunate enough to have TO for both Govt and Chinese Studies. I can still picture our Confucius sayings up on the wall banners. The experiences with TO and with many of you in his classes do seem to creep into my consciousness from time to time. It is the mark of a great teacher, to be sure. I can never seem to pass the treat area at work without thinking about the schnecks with a slight grin. More notably, in his own way he encouraged us to remember that we were not the center of the universe and there is a broad, bright, interesting world beyond lily white Wauwatosa and his beloved tree-lined Elm Grove.

I am currently on the board for the Milw Youth Symphony and TO’s influence is there too. He established a permanent scholarship in Carrie’s name … she was an accomplished musician with MYSO and I was touched by Brad’s story about knowing her in her waning moments as she even then supported others. I was lucky enough to see TO frequently at many of MYSO’s events many, many years after Carrie passed away. Always supportive, always TO. Not too long ago, my wife happened upon an energetic entrepreneur selling edible arrangements … lo and behold, TO’s son. Somehow they got to talking about Tosa East et al (not surprising on either end of that!) and he picked up the phone, dialed his dad and Betsy talked to him from right there in the shop. I wasn’t there and she had never met him, but they chatted about our class, my sisters and me … just like TO. My older sister, Cathy ’81, and I later gave him a call as well and it was as if both of us were still in his class that day. Crystal clear memories and so many of the same mannerisms. Can’t you just hear him … “and your sister sat there and so and so sat there … “

When one of you does see TO, please do let him know how much we all appreciate him and how much his influence continues to this day. And, if the mood is right … feel free to tell him that we blame him, and only him, for how we turned out! Thanks for the memories, TO! – Matt Sauer

He was one of the best teachers that I had in high school. He always joked to us that he really wanted to sell appliances at Sears. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Rondeau and his family. – John Goff

I will never forget how he inspired me in my education. – Karen Stahl via Facebook

I learned today that the most influential teacher of my early years has been admitted to Hospice care and is not expected to survive the next few days. As a physician, I am only too aware and deeply regret the pain and suffering T.O is now forced to endure. I also know his family and close friends are experiencing a different agony, the helpless grief and loss of those watching a loved one slowly fade-away.

I am neither a member of the family nor a close friend. In fact, I last spoke to T.O. Rondeau nearly 47 years ago. My family and I left Wauwatosa on the day after my high school graduation and have never returned. I suspect I am not alone among the thousands of students Mr. Rondeau touched during his 33 years of teaching that today extend prayers and empathy for their former teacher. But also suspect a significant number of his former students harbor, as I do, a degree of remorse for failing to express to Mr. Rondeau their gratitude

T.O. gave me a priceless gift. It was a unique gift created with his particular character and expertise and a gift no one else could give. Unfortunately, this was a life-changing gift that I never acknowledged or thanked him for.

I first came to know T.O. Rondeau in 1961 during my brief acting career as an awkward 12 y/o. At the time, he was single history teacher who spent his off hours as community theater stage manager. T.O. became my first adult friend; a friend who gave, when asked, wise advice, advice I actually heard and followed. It was six years later when he allowed me to enroll in his senior Russian History honors class, a class my mediocre high school grades did not merit. By this simple gift he redirected a very confused adolescent and provided the vision, tools, and confidence to succeed in college and beyond.

Louis Hyde, in his book The Gift suggests: “Most artists are brought to their vocation when their own nascent gifts are awakened by the work of a master. That is to say, most artists are converted to art by art itself. Finding one’s voice isn’t just an emptying and purifying oneself of the words of others but an adopting and embracing of filtrations, communities, and discourses.”

T.O. was such a master and I regret not telling him that my becoming a University Professor of Medicine was due in no small part to his insistence that in thinking and the final work-product both the big picture and the details were important. I surely don’t regret mentioning him as my role model in an acceptance speech given for a University-wide teaching award but not dropping him a note about the event was unfortunate and ungrateful. I knew better. Teachers have much in common with camels and must take advantage of rare positive feedback or fresh water when it comes. Like camels, it is often a long way between oasis—and compliments

Most of all, I regret not thanking him for extending to me that most rare of human gifts: the gift of genuine care. It was his gift first of listening and then suggesting alternatives and finally, insisting that I must do my own thinking and deciding —first at the level of a 12 y/o confused by hormonesand then for an 18 y/o who was convinced he already had the answers.

But, I think Mr. Rondeau would have understood. He would have understood because of all the things I remember from our time together so many years ago was his conviction that as human beings we owe each other the gift of our best gifts. He often said that if we are to survive as a people we must strive without rest to pass-on our best art—to our families and local communities first, but also to our nation and the world.

I think Mr. Rondeau wouldn’t have been so interested in my words thanking or honoring him. He would have been far more interested in hearts and abilities and character of my students and each subsequent generation of teachers and students.

My prayers are with TO and his family—may he and they know peace and comfort. – David Paul Clark, M.D.

I loved TO. I wanted to be a History Teacher as well but instead have been a cop for the last 22 years. He’d laugh at that one. – Dennis Konkel

It’s not an understatement to say I’d never have amounted to much had our paths not crossed. Godspeed T.O. – Phil Quirk via Facebook

From T.O., it’s a sound I remember most clearly, that of him rubbing his hands together when he was excited and the chalk would clank against his rings. That passion, the excited desire to put new knowledge into our doughy little heads, that was what made him a great teacher, I think.  It also didn’t hurt that he did the best Henry Kissinger imitation west of the Washington beltway. – Kevin Miyazaki

First, let me say that TO introduced me to my current religion: Taoism. I am nothing, if not the balance of opposites – but it was he who showed me I was actually going to be OK there. Only him, when I had little faith in anything. I remember him having meditation times, where you could not disturb him (so unlike TO).  He’d lock the classroom door, and meditate. Now, I get it.

But in addition to this and the  party stories, it was TO’s ability to accept us as people- vibrant, young, stupid people – that always got me. He truly loved us…but I think he truly loved all people who’d let him. His big, open heart just welcomed and wanted you…and you felt it, and wanted to walk right in there, too.

One of my favorite memories, is taking his exam in junior year for something. I had spent the lunch break with a girl for a couple hours, and was in no shape to take the exam…and TO, seeing this in me, came over and asked in a whisper what was wrong. Because I could talk to him openly, I whispered back that I was with a hot girl for the last 2 hours and his exam was the farthest thing from my mind- he said, verbatim “Oh, go take a walk around the building or something…go get your head straight, Marty. You can’t afford to fuck this up.” Teachers did not talk to you like that: friends did. But I took his advice, and left thru the locked doors in the hallway (carrying some stupidly huge dowel, with a key on it) walked it off, and got an A on the exam, despite our shared worry and the pulse that resonated so threateningly from below.

To me, that was what TO did so effortlessly, that none of the others could touch…he was one of us that would get real responses (not canned teacher “yes ma’am” shit), he came down to our level but still stayed respected as our leader/teacher. He made us tell him things, because we trusted him: and some of those things, I am sure are going with him to whatever is next – our faith never betrayed. I am sure of that…that TO dies with a million student secrets clutched in his heart, still and always safe.

A few years back, my little brother was in ‘tosa for a visit, and at Tosafest ran into TO. He never had him, but TO heard the name as they were introduced, and asked about me- then he made my brother call me on his cell phone. We talked for about 20 minutes, as much as possible – and THAT is TO to me. When you add in a ton of other stuff that matters, too.

When I talked to him at the reunion, he told me a letter I sent him after I moved, he used to help get his national Teacher of the Year award…and really wanted to share it with me. I can’t remember what I wrote, but I could probably write it again today without even thinking too hard. He said it got him to New York, and he won. ‘natch. We talked more, about how things grew and changed–and we were giving him a bunch of shit as we walked him to the car (that he wanted to be sure Brad would not steal), about all his obvious crack abuse. Some things never get old, even as we all do.

TO wrote a whole page in my yearbook Junior year- he reserved a page as we were passing them around to each other…and was like an 8th grader when I finally gave it to him to sign. I have not read it in years, but that’s OK – I know it is there. For the same years, it was equally safe to think Tom was still there too, but that one hurts me today, to just let go. Not that we were keeping in contact or anything- but like a security blanket tucked in a drawer or something, I just don’t want to let the idea of him being OK go so easily…though I have to, I know.

Yet I really won’t, ever, because he is me, is all of this. He taught me that.

Salud, TO…my teacher; my friend. – Marty Lamers

Ahhhhh old TO…..gosh, in a career wrought with hyper-active, more-than-occasionally a-hole kids and hypertensive staff he was one of a kind….someone who embraced the high school teaching chaos rather than let it eat him from the inside out,  like we imagine it can and has to just about all the rest gone by.  Now a days he would have lost his teaching certification and the school system sued for his “partaking” in our frolics and hysteria.  Yes speaking for everyone included in this string, admittedly the masses of his American Government classes were truly the  “asses”, but man if TO didn’t thrive off that!  The more tosa teens threw at him the more he turned it into a teachable moment. Not only was that a gift, it truly perplexed and befuddled this group which quickly turned to admiration and eventual long lasting friendship. Friendship with a teacher, HUH?? Friendship with your students WHAT??? Just another one of those tosa things? You bet your SCHNECKS IT WAS!!

Tribute – look at this group of talented, wonderful people he touched. Is it a stretch to say we might all, in our own ways be just a weeeeee bit more interesting, unique, successful, dynamic, charismatic (not you Ace), influential, patient, tolerant, social, fun-loving, spirited for sitting in TO’s class, while he paced back and forth in front of us, sleeves rolled up, gold rimmed glasses sparkling clean, fingers clenched to a point in each waving/gesturing hand? I think so.

I can confidentially speak for many of us when I say I learned very little from TO about America and Government and everything in between, but what I took away from just knowing “TO”…………….if East had jersey’s they would retire his. Man, did he earn it.     –Andy Ehlert

TO remembered where I sat after all these years. At the reunion I remember him also saying, “Ike, kiss the ring” just like he did back in class. What a guy. He made such an impact on us…very special memories to behold.  – Ginger Eisenhauer

My sister launched a genealogy project 30 years ago for a TO assignment. She still works the effort today, having gone to The National Archives and whatnot – that this germ still festers within her is a testament to TO’s motivational prowess.

On my 18th birthday, Marty and I shared TO’s final period.  Rather than attend, we went for broke, tapping Martin’s powers of persuasion. “TO, It’s Brad’s birthday, so we are going over to his house to drink beer instead of coming to class.”  Beer drinking ensued, as TO turned perhaps his first blind-eye to an attendance indiscretion – he was a real stickler in this area 🙂

About 15 years ago, in the beer business, I got an out-of-the-blue call from TO.  His friend was trying to dump a distressed brewery in Waukesha, and Rondeau was certain I was the guy to buy it. The brewery, Watson’s – a real household name, was junk, so I blasted him for the hard sell.  He worked me like his kids’ next meal depended on him closing the deal. Had I the dough, I’d have bought it to shut him up – what an incredible advocate he was for helping sell his friend’s thing.

The closest acknowledgement I got from him at the reunion was “you and Gingrich were always getting in trouble”.  Just by chance, I ended up walking him out as he left.  He was really keyed-up over the event – joy bestowed by the organizers who did us all a favor getting him there, so he wasn’t watching what he was doing..  He was kind of flitting along there with his cane and he started to fall on the Muellner steps.  I caught him and suggested he point out his car and wait there while I go get it.  “Okay…..wait, no… you’re not driving my car”.  Mint.

It grazed my adolescent ego, 25 years out, realizing TO was never really fond of me (blame him?).  But it occurred to me I never knew it back then – it never clouded his ability to educate and inspire me in ways others wouldn’t.  That’s a unique ability and commitment to his craft – to see passed a schnecking a-hole and lay-in some American Government just the same.

It’s easy to martyr a guy who’s going or gone, but TO did something I couldn’t imagine at the time.  In the early 90’s, my friend Lisa got cancer – Hodgkins.  She took treatments with a girl, drawing inspiration from one another and growing close through the experience.  It was TO’s daughter Carrie.  Lisa beat the odds, but Carrie died in ’93 at 24.  The kind of fortitude required here is immeasurable; even for a devout family, so that’s his legacy for me.

Sorry for blathering on, I was just going to say “The masses are asses” but got carried away.  You had us at “masses” TO. – Brad Lowry