THOMAS PROSSER

Thomas James Prosser

Our beloved Tom passed away on June 20, 2025, at St. Paul Elder Services in Kaukauna, WI, at the age of 88 years, 7 months.  In so doing, we mourn the loss of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and community member.  He was born in Antigo, WI on September 29, 1936, and raised there through high school.  He graduated from UW - Madison in 1958, with a BS in Agriculture Economics.  While at UW, he lettered in Crew and was an officer of the Theta Delta Chi fraternity.  He also became a devoted Badger faithful; his love for the university ran deep.  Tom later served as a member of the UW – Madison Athletic Board and National President & Chair of the UW – Madison Alumni Association.  

Tom met his future wife, Nancy Kay Trewyn, in the summer of 1957 at a potato growers' convention in Stevens Point.  Nancy was also the future Alice in Dairyland of 1957, which would take her to Madison for a year of promoting Wisconsin's dairy industry around the country.  It is where their courtship began.  They were married in Whitewater, WI, on October 11, 1958, and remained married until Nancy's untimely death on June 15, 1999.  Together, they enjoyed travel, tennis, good friends, time in Scottsdale, and floats on Upper Clear Lake.  

After graduation, Tom joined the family commercial potato business in Antigo, but that was short-lived.  Fate intervened, and he became a banker instead.  This path took him from Elkhorn, to Milwaukee, Waukesha, and finally to Neenah, as President and CEO of the Marine National Bank of Neenah.  Tom left the banking industry in 1979 to join Hoffmaster Company (Oshkosh, WI), as Part Owner, Sr. VP and Chief Operating Officer.  After Hoffmaster was sold to Scott Paper and the Oshkosh management retention term expired, Tom was asked to move to Scott HQ, Philadelphia, in a leadership role, which he declined.  He would not leave Wisconsin, his family or his friends.  He joined Robert W. Baird & Co. as a Sr. VP, Investment Banking, in 1989.  He rejoined the manufacturing sector in 1999 with Menasha Corporation, where he had been on the board of directors since 1992.  He became Chairman of the Board from 1998 until his retirement in 2004 and served as CEO during 1999 – 2000. 

Tom was deeply dedicated to the Fox Cities, serving on various civic, community and industry boards, to include:  Theda Care (40 years), Touchpoint, Chair of the Neenah-Menasha United Way, the founding board of the Fox Cities PAC (Appleton), President of Neenah Rotary, the UW – Oshkosh Chancellor's advisory board, as well as the aforementioned roles with UW – Madison. Tom was a constant presence in fundraising for numerous non-profit campaigns, as well as private efforts to support growth of the Fox Cities.  The Neenah-Menasha YMCA gives the Tom Prosser Leadership Award for volunteer service.  He was awarded the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region's Walter L. Rugland Community Service Award for 2016.  Tom's memorable and inspirational “Lifters and Leaners” acceptance speech is talked about and referenced to this day.  

Tom had 6.5 years of military service, both active and reserve duty, U.S. Army Infantry, in both enlisted and officer ranks.  He was called into active duty in the Bay of Pigs era, when the family relocated briefly to Tacoma, WA in the early Sixties.  

In addition to his many accomplishments, he was most proud of being a dedicated father to Jim (Laura Guy), Pam (Bart Armstrong) and Kari and grandfather to Cara (Elliot Olney), Meg (Mike Jurkash), Bridie, TJ, and Mallory.  We love you Dad and Grandpa!  Rest well.

In recent days and in no particular order, Tom is recognized by those who knew him as a pillar of the community, mentor, role model, legend, counsel, cherished friend, crew leader, and a lovely, great, amazing, caring, wonderful, humble, complete treasure of a man.  We will all remember Tom's “sweet Pross grin”, his big hugs, his grace, his wit, his laugh, and lovability.  

We would be remiss in not mentioning Tom's lifelong love of golf, among other interests.  Tom once wrote humbly about himself saying, “this is more stuff than anyone might care or need to know.”  He was extremely grateful having “more good friends than any one man deserves.”  He is survived by his children and their spouses, his five grandchildren and their spouses, his sister, Jane Graunke, his brother-in-law R.W. Trewyn (Marcy), Mary Jensen, and many, MANY devoted friends.  

The family thanks the Valley VNA and St. Paul's Elder Services for their dedicated care and support.  Donations in Tom's memory may be directed to the Valley VNA, Fox Valley Memory Project, WIS Alzheimer's Institute, WI Alzheimer's Disease Research Fund, or any of the non-profits mentioned above. 

A private Christian service and burial, with military honors, have taken place.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, at Bridgewood Resort Hotel & Conference Center, 1000 Cameron Way, Neenah.  Badger attire welcome.

Condolences: westgorfuneralhomes.com