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Thomas Medland Obituary

Thomas M. Medland

Thomas M. Medland passed away, peacefully surrounded within a circle of his family on the afternoon of March 7, 2013 in Sun City Grand, AZ, after an extended battle with lung cancer. Born in Petoskey, MI on September 29, 1938, He was the son of Thomas G. and Mary E. Medland. He grew up in Logansport, IN, graduating from Logansport High in 1956.

He studied mechanical engineering at his beloved University of Notre Dame, graduating in 1960. He was chosen for "Who's Who in America" as one of the top 40 seniors, and served as Grand Knights of the Notre Dame Knights of Columbus. After serving as the Cadet Commander of Notre Dame's Air Force ROTC Unit, Tom was sent to Purdue University where he earned a Masters degree in industrial engineering. In active military duty, he spent ten years in Georgia and Germany, with his final three millitary years teaching Air Force ROTC at Notre Dame. As a Notre Dame faculty member he served on the Board of the Notre Dame Faculty Club and was a Knights of Columbus District Deputy in Indiana.

On August 12, 1961 he married Beth Lehman of Logansport, IN. They had one child in 1972, Meredith Medland Sasseen. After 25 years of marriage, Beth passed away from cancer in January of 1987. In February of 1988, he married Rita Macke and shared the last 25 years of his life with her. Since 1998 they have spent summers in Appleton, WI and the winters in Surprise, AZ. Each week he played golf with a group of "golf buddies" he loved. He served as Sunday usher at Prince of Peace Catholic parish in Sun City Grand. He was an a very active member of the community.

Tom moved to the Fox Valley in 1971 and served in executive manufacturing positions at Thilmany, Akrosil, Central Products, Trail-et, George Whiting Paper Company and Hayes Manufacturing, where he retired in 2000. He served as Technical Chairman of the Composite Can and Tube Institute as well as a member of its Board of Directors.

Tom was a long time member and president, of Riverview Country Club as well as a member of the Appleton Yacht Club, North Shore and Butte Des Morts Country Clubs.

He is survived by his wife, Rita as well as his daughter, Meredith and her husband Timothy Sasseen: his stepchildren, Bob and Karen Macke, Daniel and Regina Macke, Carolyn Macke Baumann and Christine and Ryan Nielsen. He has eight cherished grandchildren: Nathan and Natalie Macke, Alexander and Lauren Macke, Griffin and Ella Baumann, Hannah and Jacob Nielsen. He leaves three brothers: William of Onalaska, WI, Richard of Tucson, AZ and Timothy Medland of Carmel, IN.

Visit www.NotreDameTom.com to participate in an online tribute.

The funeral liturgy for Tom will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, March 15, 2013 at ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 312 S. State Street in Appleton, with Fr. Jim Leary, OFM Cap. officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at St. Mary Cemetery.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and again at the church on Friday morning from 11:00 AM until the time of the liturgy.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Appleton's ABC (A Better Chance) Program.



Published by Appleton Post-Crescent from Mar. 10 to Mar. 13, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Medland

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Thank you to all of you who have contributed here or at www.notredametom.com. The eulogy from mass is also posted on that website. My Dad is an awesome man who is still accessible through prayer and meditation. My hope is that if he touched your life you will take some quiet time to connect to those memories and be open to miraculous possibly of love and connection with Tom and those you have loved who have passed on.

Meredith Medland Sasseen

March 29, 2013

Dear Rita,

Our prayers are with you and your family. We just learned of Tom's death at Church yesterday. If we can do anything for you here in AZ let us know.

Tom & Sandy Hinkes

March 18, 2013

Hello,I grew up with the Medland family at St. Bridget's Church and always had utmost respect for the family,Mrs. Medland was one of my grade school teachers and my mothers best friend, Mary Alice Kiesling. After church EVERY Sunday our car and the Medlands car were the only car's in the parking lot,I never could figure out who talked more, my mother or Mr.& Mrs.Medland? GOD BLESS THE MEDLAND FAMILY. Stephen L. Kiesling

March 15, 2013

I regret that I was unable to be with all of you today but my blood counts are low. I spent an hour in private prayer and was with you in spirit. Ironically, the package arrived today at 1:15pm. Thanks much, Rita. Meredith, Rita and your family, and my brothers and their families are in my thoughts and prayers today and in the future. God bless one and all. -- Bill Medland

family

March 15, 2013

Dear Rita, Carolyn and family,
God bless you at this sad time. May memories of Tom comfort you and give you peace. You have my deepest sympathy.

Sue Taylor

March 14, 2013

To Rita and Meredith: My heart goes out to both of you. May the Lord of Tom bless you and comfort you. May thinking of Tom bring you loving memories today and in the future as it does for me. Peace. --- Bill Medland

March 14, 2013

My condolences to all of you!

I would like to share with all of you
a few thought's at this time.


Tom was an instructor of mine at FVTC back in the 1980's.
I will never forget him starting to give his lecture as soon as the bell sounded and would continue until break and start up right where he left off promptly after break and continue till the final bell.
I would have to say that he was one of the greatest teachers if not the greatest teacher I have ever had in all the years of classes.
When a person finished his class you were guarranteed to have learned alot cause he keep your attention!

Thank you and may God bless you Tom, may you rest in peace!

Joel Staffaroni

March 13, 2013

Our prayers and best wishes go to all the family. Tom had a great sense of humor that my father and I adored. He will be missed.
Chris and Karin

Chris Hassett

March 12, 2013

Dear Rita and family:
I am sorry to read about Tom's death. I can understand what you and the family are going thru. When my husband died, it was my faith(prayers) and family and friends that got me through the worst of times.
Remember the happy and good times that you enjoyed together. It will bring you comfort.
If there is anything that I can do for you-even if it is to listen while you talk- just give me a call.

You are in my prayers
Jan Salm-St. Mary's Appleton

March 12, 2013

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Rita.

Gary & Barb Hietpas

March 12, 2013

My thoughts are with you, Rita. Tom was a special person and a great asset to Hayes Mfg. Group. I'll miss his friendship.

James Hayes

March 11, 2013

To Meredith and Rita. We've lost touch over the years, but Tom was a great friend to my late husband, Bob, and to our whole family. I'm sorry Tom had been ill before his passing. Please accept my sincere sorrow at your loss.

Arlene Douglas

March 11, 2013

Tom was such a caring person, I know he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Rita and your family. Kristie Mastey, BDMCC

March 11, 2013

Meredith, sorry to hear of your fathers passing. God Bless You and your family. He is in a better place now and at peace.

Luann Hawley Hopkins

March 10, 2013

We are deeply saddened by Tom's passing; our thoughts and prayers go out to Rita and Meredith. Tom was the sensible, quiet leader of the clan and will be greatly missed. We will always cherish the memories of our too-infrequent visits over the many years.

Mike and Linda Medland

March 10, 2013

My prayers go out to Rita and Meredith for your loss. Also to Dick, Bill, and Tim...i know what a loss this is for all of you and the rest of the family. Tom will be missed but he surely is in a better place-God's arms...no more pain and suffering.

God Bless.

All my love, Denise

Denise Medland

March 10, 2013

To my beloved brother who I will miss deeply. I know you are in a better place and I hope you are happy and content in that special place.

Tim Medland

March 10, 2013

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