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Thomas Rondeau Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Rondeau
Michaell Uporsky
January 27, 2024
The anniversary of the death of Mr. Rondeau is not a happy day but he gave me many happy days as a student. that are etched inn memory of him
David Swanson
February 11, 2023
As a (Northwestern) university admissions director, Tosa East Grad, and lifelong career counselor, it was a joy to hear students lavish praise and admiration on their memories of teachers they considered both influential and outstanding. Tom Rondeau was at the top of that list! . . . and is a name I'll never forget, though he taught in HS after I graduated. The loving praise and admiration for Tom Rondeau which I heard from student-after-student of his, as a university admissions director, would bring tears of joy to his family. Trust me, Tom Rondeau: you were LOVED and UNIVERSALLY!!!! ADMIRED by your students as an "absolute-FAVORITE" teacher, living on in the memories your beloved and admiring graduates.
Michael Uporsky
January 27, 2021
Nothing changes, Mr. Rondeau was a teacher that every single student at Tosa East new him or knew of him. Classes were always entertaining and and spontaneous. He knew his specialties well. RIP
Michael Uporsky
June 1, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
michael Uporsky
June 1, 2020
A very positive infuence from my High School days. A memory that brings a smile always.
Garth Sinclair
September 4, 2016
T. O. was my teacher for Chinese Studies and U. S. Government, and like others who have commented here, he is the teacher I remember most from high school. He had a way of connecting with every student and helping to bring out their best.
I joined the Navy right after high school and had the great good fortune to meet and briefly date Carrie before she passed. I remember going to pick her up at the Rondeau homestead and being so nervous. T. O. was so warm and welcoming, and put me at ease. 30-plus years into my Navy career, I have spent the last 5 on instructor duty. I find myself reflecting on how T. O. went about the business of teaching, and in challenging situations I ask myself what would T. O. do?
His legacy will live forever; not just in the lives of the generations of students he taught and inspired, but in the lives of those who we have touched, who will pass it on to even more.
May God bless and keep you.
Garth Sinclair
'Tosa East c/o 1986
GreggWarren
February 21, 2016
The most inspiring of my high school teachers in a community often not open to new ideas in that era. I definitely miss him as an important person of those young years.
Rick Scholl
July 13, 2014
Tom was a great teacher. Wauwatosa East had great teachers. Another great teacher, Jim Hesslink, died shortly before Tom. Both will never be forgotten! Both stand as shining examples of what teachers should be. Both cared about their students!
Dale Raduechel
July 13, 2014
You watched over me in High School& I still need your help Mr.Rondeau More now than ever Sir!!! I'm going to keep my promise to you sir and to mrs.Cannon!!!!??????????
Dale Raduechel
July 13, 2014
I remember him always being concerned about my Epilepsy but I never put it together.He was a very caring man and a great teacher.i just found out tonight.I cried.I remember having a man tap me on the shoulder at summerfest at a John Denver Concert and he had asked me where I got my tee shirt?I turned around and it was Mr.Rondeau!!!!He had one of his daughters with him.I told him that I got it in Colorado.my husband was lucky enough to meet one of Wauwatosa Easts finest teachers Ever!!! I will carry him in my heart forever??may he be one of my guardian angels for eternity.Love you Mr Rondeau??????
Latesha Jude, Wauwatosa East High School, Class of 1989
Latesha Jude
May 20, 2014
I can still remember going to his history class at the end of the hall way on the second floor, sitting in red or blue chairs at a round table amongst friends, and learning about history. What I loved about Mr. Rondeau is that even if the class was hard for his students to grasp or comprehend the material, he always extended extra credit assignments for us after school. We would watch a film and discuss it, or read a huge novel and take a test on the dialogue from the book.
Mr. Rondeau definitely cared about his students and their success in his class. It was clearly evident in his teaching style. If a student was caught sleeping in class, he would come and kick the chair under him/her. I'm glad that did not happen to me. It almost did, but I woke up quickly! Sleeping was forbidden in his class. He was truly a great gem and I'm glad he was my teacher at Wauwatosa East High School. I am truly sorry for your loss, and I know he was a gift from God and now his work is done. May the good Lord Jesus give you peace during your time of sorrow and tears. Cheer up, we too shall see him again in Glory!
March 17, 2014
Russian/Chinese history teacher Mr. Rondeau used world literature to explore history and culture, a perfect strategy for me as a learner. Mr. Rondeau was an outstanding educator, a role model for innovation, challenging classroom interaction, and thought-provoking scenarios. I am grateful for all I learned from him.
-- Patti Sylvester Spencer, class of '69
Mark Parkinson
March 8, 2014
Mr. Rondeau saw potential and promise in my troublesome young self when others didn't. He went way out on a limb to help that kid correct his course. He was a beautiful and extraordinary man. He could have done anything with his life, I'm so grateful he chose to teach.
March 7, 2014
Tom and I got to know each other through our dogs, he was such kind and fun person. Through him I was able to meet Scott and Susan. What a wonderful family, a testament to a wonderful man. I will be glad to help out with Katie and Noel should you need a dog walker! God bless, Virginia Wallace
Mary & Bob Buss
February 10, 2014
Bob and I send our sincere condolences for Tom's passing. We are thankful we were able to see you before his final journey. Had you not called, we would not have able to say our goodbyes in person. We will call you when we get back.
Amy Langlas Burns
February 7, 2014
I can remember T.O.'s stories like he shared them yesterday. It was wonderful to see him at our 20th (class of '89). I looked forward to his classes.
My heart goes out to Scott, Mrs. Rondeau, and Susan. Please know that your dad was so important to so many people. You're all in my thoughts and prayers.
Carolyn Bertorello
February 5, 2014
Tom was a wonderful man whose wit, intelligence, love for life, and warmth surrounded everywhere and everyone he happened to talk to. Condolences to his family. His heavenly cohorts will love having him as a friend and inspiration.
Betsy Gasior
February 4, 2014
T.O. was the best teacher ever. His lessons extended far beyond the classroom, and have stuck with me in the 20+ years since I had him as a student. My sympathies to his family, they have a very special guardian angel indeed. May God grant you peace, strength and healing.
Betsy (nee Schneider) Gasior
Tosa East c/o '91
Ann (Coakley) Levinson
February 4, 2014
I am so happy that his family had him for 51+ years. And I am sorry that he died so young. Mr. Rondeau was an inspiring teacher, cared about every student and loved teaching. He is the only teacher that I really remember so that says a lot. I am from the class of 1962.
February 3, 2014
My sympathy to the family of "Mr.T.O." I am from the H.S. Class of 1966. I had Mr. T.O. for History and HEEMEA. He helped to bring me out of my shell. He was kind and acknowledging to all of his students. He made learning fun and encouraged all of us to use our potential. Last time I saw him was in the grocery store years later and he remembered me and wanted to know how far I went with education and my life. What a caring man! God Bless him and his family.
Sue (McKee) Schodron
February 3, 2014
T.O. was by far and away my favorite teacher, ever. He made Urban Studies fun! We went on to become friends. I will miss him. My condolences to Sally and the kids.
Michael Mazur
Patrick Coffey
February 2, 2014
Mr.Rondeau was an inspiring teacher,superb mentor and a good friend to all of his students regardless of their skill level or background. He was never afraid to try new teaching methods to engage his students and dedicated his heart and soul to the young people in his class every day.He would also let you know when you were slacking, coasting, and on the wrong track. He earned such respect that you did not want to disappoint him.
It was not uncommon for former students to come across T.O. years later and he could remember not only where they sat in his class 25 years ago, but he could also remember where their PARENTS sat in his class.
I have been a high school history teacher for 19 years and Mr. Rondeau was one of the greatest influences in my life. He still inspires me as I try to teach my students how to find the "main idea", and shamelessly steal his patented phrases like "TS...tough situation" and "Kiss the ring" with my students today.
My sympathies to his family. Generations of Tosa East students were blessed to have known him.
Pam MacArthur
February 2, 2014
Tom was someone who found his true calling and made a difference in the lives of all who knew him. Everyone who ever had him for a teacher has a Mr. Rondeau story even 54 years later. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Kathy (Volk) Neuhaus
February 2, 2014
Mr. Rondeau was my history teacher before graduating from 'Tosa East in 1961. I cannot think of a student who did not like him. He made learning fun and meaningful. Condolences to his family. You can be proud of the many lives he touched during his teaching career.
Erik Nilsson
February 2, 2014
So pleased to have known Mr. Rondeau from the the time I was in my Mother's womb to now. I have many happy memories!
Bill Horstman
February 2, 2014
Teacher, mentor, role model, and friend, Tom Rondeau is one of the rare people who, if you are very very lucky, are dropped into your life just when you need them and transform you, put you on a path you didn't know existed, and with a hand on your shoulder, gently but firmly start you forward into what will be your life.
In 1959, Tom took me and my classmates and showed us the world. Not only the geographical world and its many cultures but also the world of ideas, values, and the joy of spirited but civil debate about anything that could be named.
When I graduated from Wauwatosa High School in 1961, Tom told be to go and write "the great American novel." 50 years later, over lunch in the Tosa village, Tom reminded me of that charge. I replied that, unfortunately, I was still struggling to write the "great American prepositional phrase." Tom laughed and said, "well, America can use a really good prepositional phrase, too." Still my teacher.
"Frater, ave atque vale" - Brother, hail and farewell.
Richard Krizan (Class of '61)
February 2, 2014
My heartfelt sympathies to the Rondeau family.
Tom made history come alive in his classroom. Always smiling, always happy, his energy filled the classroom and held our attention. If he ever had a bad day, we students never knew it because he was there 110% for us, every class session. He never gave up on us less interested, "difficult students" as I was. Instead, he co-opted us with his humor and made us part of the learning experience.
I still teach Criminal Justice half time, and I try my best to emulate his example. Thank you, Tom. We never know how the examples we set and the "seeds of knowledge" we plant in our students' minds will help them as they go through their lives.
I can picture Tom, ever young, ever dynamic, in front of our class as though it was yesterday.
Rest well, my friend and teacher. You have earned it.
Mark Pagenkopf
February 2, 2014
So sorry-you have my sympathies. Tom was my U.S. History teacher 1960. Great sense of humor. He made history fun.
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