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Altenburg, Thomas A
Of Brookfield. Died on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at the age of 80. He was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte (nee Prais); his brother, Robert Neil Altenburg; and his parents, Arthur and Ella Altenburg.
Survivors include his sister-in-laws, Dorothy (Frank) Pisarski of Stevens Point and Arlene Altenburg of Escanaba, MI; his brother-in-law, John (Gail) Prais of Stevens Point; and many beloved nieces, nephews and special dear friends.
Born November 26, 1935 in Milwaukee, the youngest of two sons, Tom attended Story Grade School and West Division High School, graduating in 1954 as class salutatorian. He received a B.A. Degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin where he graduated cum laude in 1959.
His career began as a reporter for the Stevens Point Daily Journal but he was called into active military duty in 1961 when Wisconsin's 32nd Division National Guard was activated during the Berlin Crisis. Stationed in Fort Lewis, WA., he served as the public information specialist for the Division Artillery. While at Fort Lewis, he married Charlotte Prais on February 17, 1962. When released from active duty later that year, they returned to Stevens Point (Charlotte's hometown) and he resumed work at the newspaper.
In 1965, they moved to Milwaukee where Tom accepted a public relations position with Milwaukee Gas Light Company (now We Energies). In 1967, he became an account executive with McDonald Davis and Associates, a Milwaukee advertising and public relations agency. During a long career there, he became vice-president and was a stockholder and member of the Board of Directors. Tom specialized in health care marketing and was instrumental in helping the agency gain national recognition for it's expertise in that field, serving clients across the country. In 1994, Tom joined Birdsall Voss Kloppenburg, another marketing agency as Vice President of Healthcare Marketing Planning. BVK subsequently acquired the McDonald Davis agency. Tom retired from the agency in 2004. During his career, he was a member of many organizations, including: the Milwaukee Press Club; Sigma Delta Chi Journalism Society; the Public Relations Society of America - Wisconsin Chapter where he served as president; the friends of the Milwaukee Repertory Theater; and the Brookfield Optimist Club.
Visitation Thursday, October 6 from 2:00pm until time of Service at 4:00pm at the Funeral Home. Interment will be at Guardian Angel Cemetery in Stevens Point where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved Charlotte. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Milwaukee Repertory Theater or a charity of the giver's choice.
Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral & Cremation Services, 10121 W. North Avenue Wauwatosa. (414)-774-5010. www.schmidtandbartelt.com
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1 Entry
First a colleague, then and most importantly a friend... Tom Altenburg was one of those very few people we all meet and remember. Because he was a good man. An honest person. And an easy friend to make and keep. Armed with a sonorous voice and a warm laugh, Tom is remembered -- and missed.
Curt and Barbara Thompson
October 5, 2016
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Oct
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2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services10121 West North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Oct
6
4:00 p.m.
Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services10121 West North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
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Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services10121 West North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
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