Search by Name

BORN

1935

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services

10121 West North Avenue

Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Thomas Altenburg Obituary

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

Published by Stevens Point Journal on Oct. 5, 2016.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Altenburg

Sponsored by Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services.

Not sure what to say?





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

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Thomas Altenburg's name

Memorial Events
for Thomas Altenburg

Oct

6

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services

10121 West North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Oct

6

Service

4:00 p.m.

Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services

10121 West North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Funeral services provided by:

Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services

10121 West North Avenue, Wauwatosa, WI 53226

How to support Thomas's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Thomas Altenburg's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more