Thomas Geldermann

Thomas A. Geldermann, 90, of Lake Geneva, WI died peacefully in his home on November 5th, 2016. Affectionately known as TAG, Tom was a graduate of Hardey Preparatory School for Boys and Loyola Academy. He enlisted in the Navy in 1944, where he served and was honorably discharged in 1946. After the war, Tom enrolled in the Business Administration program at Marquette University where he met his first wife Joan Alice McHugh and graduated with a bachelor's degree. Tom was a devoted husband and father of eight whose faith, work ethic, and general attitude towards life inspired his family and others who were fortunate to know him. Tom became a member of the Chicago Board of Trade in 1948 and a partner in John T. Geldermann and Associates, later known as Geldermann, Inc. He was also a member of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Chicago Open Board of Trade, the MidAmerica Commodities Exchange and the Chicago Board Options Exchange. He was a past vice-chairman of the Chicago Board of Trade and past president of the National Grain and Feed Dealers Association. An acknowledged expert in back office operations, clearing, and execution services, Tom and his partners built Geldermann, Inc. into a global derivatives broker that offered clearing and execution services for all of the major derivatives exchanges. He served as a director and member of many exchange and industry committees and task forces. In 2001 Marquette University honored Tom with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Tom was one of the founding directors of the William Guy Forbeck Research Foundation and a supporter of many charities, such as St. Francis de Sales in Lake Geneva, Our Lady of Joy in Carefree, AZ and the Little Sisters of the Poor. He was a trustee of Campion Jesuit High School and an active member of the Marquette University President's Council. Tom enjoyed a competitive game of tennis or golf., and was a past president of the Lake Geneva Country Club. He played semi-pro football for the Waukegan Merchants and was the starting center for the last Marquette football team. An expert skier, Tom logged over 1 million vertical feet Heli-skiing. Tom loved to ice-boat and in the summer, cruise Lake Geneva in his beloved boat, Succotash. He was an accomplished pilot, logging over 4,000 hours of business and recreational flight time. In his retirement, Tom wrote and self-published two acclaimed novels: award winner The Lure of the Dutchman, and Press Enter. Tom is the beloved husband of Nancy O'Neill Geldermann; loving father of eight children: James (Vera) Geldermann of Northbrook, IL, Nancy (David) Williams of Lake Geneva, WI, Janet (James) Happ of Lake Geneva, WI, Thomas G. Geldermann of Henryville, IN, the late Elyse Anne (Michael) Pesola, Stephen (Carolyn) Geldermann of Lake Forest, IL, Katherine (Robert) Murphy of Romeo, MI, and Robert (Dana) Geldermann of Lake Forest, IL. Beloved Grampa of: J. Christopher Geldermann, Elizabeth (Chad) Hockerman, Kathryn Geldermann; Anne (David) Deschamps, Michael (Emily) Williams, Charles, Kevin & Joan Williams; Gregory & Lucy Happ; Joseph, Colleen, & Emily Geldermann; Molly, Harrison, David & Hannah Geldermann; Thomas, Cody, & Robert Murphy; Sarah, Kimberly, Daniel, & Olivia Geldermann; 4 Great-Grandchildren: Caleb & Everett Hockerman, Jericho Murphy, William Deschamps. Fondly remembered by Nancy's family. Ann (Corrado) Lehman and Carolina Cipria, Susan (Tim), Willie and Everett Black, John (Nancy) Lehman Survived by two brothers: Robert Gelderman of Chestertown, MD, and Laurence (Kathy) Gelderman of Hartland, WI. Sisters-in-law Jane Geldermann of Glenview, IL, and Elise Penny of Sun Prairie, WI. Brother-in-law Robert (Peggy) McHugh of Glenview, IL and many devoted nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Joan Geldermann (nee McHugh), daughter Elyse Anne Pesola, and brother, John T. Geldermann. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 8th, 2016 from 5:00 pm till 8:00 pm in the chapel of Derrick Funeral Home in Lake Geneva WI. Mass of Christian burial will be held on Wednesday, November 9th, 2016 at St. Francis De Sales Church in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin at 11:00 am. Father Jim Schuerman will preside. Private interment to follow. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy the family requests that you make a donation in Tom's name to the William Guy Forbeck Foundation. A link has been provided for you at www.derrickfuneralhome.com.