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John Patrick Tierney

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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

FUNERAL HOME

Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services

10280 N. Port Washington Rd.

Mequon, Wisconsin

John Tierney Obituary

Tierney, John Patrick Milwaukee born and educated, died on Tuesday, September 14, 2010, at the age of 96 years, after his final workout at UWM's Klotsche Center. Preceded in death by his wife Irene Dally Tierney. He is remembered by his son Michael (Suzanne); his daughter Noreen (Jon Bielinski); grandsons Patrick (Megan) and Richard (Amanda); great-grandchildren, Daniel, Madison, Claudia, Hannah and Emelyn; companion and advocate, Debbie Smith, caregivers, Jackie Henderson and Kevin Dunn. He will also be remembered by innumerable students and athletes that were his very special family. Celebration of Life Services will be at the FUNERAL HOME on Sunday, October 3, 2010, at 2:30 PM, the family will receive friends from 1:30 PM until the time of Celebration. In lieu of flowers, memorials in John's name may be directed to the family, for a John Tierney UWM Athletic Scholarship Fund to be established. Since 1942, John taught sports and recreation at UWM. He coached football, basketball, track and field and cross country. Coach Tierney's teams won many championships throughout the years, before he retored from coaching in 1974. He was Professor Ameritus in the Human Kinetic Department at UWM. He served the Wisconsin Amateur Athletic Union for 39 years, and directed Wisconsin Olympics Programs. Coach Tierney was one of the best officials around. He affected a lot of people's lives. John Tierney, father, teacher and Coach will be with us always.

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Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Sep. 26, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for John Tierney

19 Entries

John Snodgrass

October 19, 2010

I was lucky enough to know and run for Coach from '68-71. He taught me many lessons about running, dedication, persistance, and life in general. I will continue to think of him often and try to always remember his strengh and encouragement as a model for my own behavior. A great Man, friend, and coach.

David Gename

October 3, 2010

Forty years ago, John Tierney was my teacher, coach and mentor. And since then, the personal and professional opportunities I have been afforded have largely been due to the lasting impact he had on my life. Coach lived what he preached. He was always a gentleman who genuinely cared and respected others regardless of their athletic talent. As a student and as a member of the track team, he overlooked my shortcomings while nurturing my potentials. He was also a generous man. I willl never forget the year that the athletic department did not have the funds to fly me to the NCAA National Championships in Salt Lake City. I didn't have the money either, so Coach paid for the plane ticket out of his own pocket. He always made time for his athletes and always made us feel like family. Now many years later, I realize that he also had a loving wife and family at home and that his children have continued to care about him throughout his life. He, they, and all of us who knew him have been very fortunate. A few weeks ago, Bill Meyer and I took Coach out for lunch. We had a great time sharing old stories, and I had the opportunity to let him know that he was my model, that I thought about him almost every day, and that his tenacity and character continued to inspire me. Although Coach is gone, he continues to live through all of us --- teachers, coaches, administrators, parents and all whose lives he touched.

David L. Gename, Ph.D.
UWM Track Team 1966 - 1969

Janey Mohr

October 2, 2010

I owe an enormous amount of thanks to Coach Tierney for providing me with the opportunity of a life time. In 1981, while a student in his Physical Conditioning class, John encouraged me to sign up for the Women's Track team. He even offered me an independent study credit to ensure that I was eligible.

Because of John, at age 30, I went out for the team and won a letter. Girls sports were not offered while I was in high school and I never considered myself athletic. John's encouragement changed my life. I will always be greatful and I will miss him.

Jim Dempsey

October 1, 2010

I remember Coach JT when I competed at UWM in 1971, 73-74. I saw him handle some difficult personal issues as coach with dignity and grace. His mentoring kept me running and competing all of my adult life. I remember him making us run in cross-country meets at Estabrook Park against Marquette. It was a lonely run at the very far back of the pack. He also had the sprinters run down to the War Memorial and back. He would drag out an old unclaimed medal (i.e. women's heptathlon) from his desk drawer as a reward. He was a great motivator and teacher, helping us hone our technique for optimal performance. Coach, you've had a long and rich life and your family will miss you but you will get to be with your beloved Irene. May you continue to coach and motivate in Heaven.

Creighton Ols

September 30, 2010

I remember hearing many athletes talk about their coach which they loved. Many said the same thing about a favorite coach. Many ended their speeches with, "he was a wonderful man. There was no one better". Every time that I heard an athlete say this about their coach, that they didn't know a better person" I knew that they had never met Coach Tierney.

September 30, 2010

I wish I had been a student of his but I was privilaged to know Irene and John for a time. remarkable man. they don't make'em like that anymore ( or not too many anyway) my sympathy to his family and friends) mnash

Bob Baker

September 29, 2010

I can't tell you how many times I told Coach Tierney that I will be unable to run this season: class schedule, student teaching. His response to me was "Go out and run a 3-2-1, and we'll talk about it tomorrow. He brought out the best in me. I will miss him. Bob Baker

Mary Fusek

September 28, 2010

Ron Fusek ('58) cherished his friendship with John. They shared many track, cross country and coaching stories over the years. The Tierney Track Classic was a meaningful event for all of his former track athletes. What an inspiration to all who had the privelege of knowing John Tierney!!

September 28, 2010

Somehow, my first effort didn't make it! So let me try again to share my thoughts about a 40 year colleague and friend, John Tierney.

From the day i first met John in August 1970 (my first faculty meeting as a brand new Assistant Professor of Physical Education), I knew John was a special individual. Over the years, I came to fully appreciate just how much this gentle giant of a professional man brings to his life and career.

Students and his athletes worshiped the ground on which he walked. He was the consummate teacher/coach with the uncanny ability to teach & coach with ease and astuteness.

He held his commitment to his students ever foremost in his professional career at UWM. On a more personal note, he was a wonderful person with whom to share time, a great ballroom dancer (especially at student weddings!), and enjoyed a good party every now and again along with his life partner Irene.

I will miss him but know his influence will carry on for time to come through all of us who have been privileged to know and work with John.

Erika Sander

bill wegehaupt

September 28, 2010

I will always remember John Tierney as the man who got me interested in coaching track and cross country. He was a great teacher.

Sandy Botham

September 27, 2010

I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know John Tierney, the Hall of Fame Track Coach, throughout my tenure here at Milwaukee. He was an inspiration to my players and I when he came to the Klotsche Center to work out with the weights and ride the bike. Unbelievable that he was committed to it (at the age of 96!!) until the day he passed away!
He was a kind, gentle soul that was so supportive of Panther Athletics and our Women's Basketball Program. If it was not for John, our team would not have been able to go on our 2008 European Tour. He donated the last remaining dollars that were needed to make the trip a reality!
You will be missed John! I know your spirit will remain in the halls of our Klotsche and Pavilion, continuing to spread positive energy!
Blessings to all of his family and friends.

jim hanley

September 27, 2010

I have wonderful memories of Coach Tierney as both and athlete and a fellow coach. His love and dedication to the sport and his nurturing, teaching, and fellowshipping with his athletes is an adrirable gift that few possess. We have lost a legend.

Dennis McBride

September 26, 2010

Some people walk through life and leave no footprints. Others leave their imprint wherever they go. John Tierney gave something special to everyone he met, and his legacy will live on long after his athletes and students are gone.

Coach Tierney and UWM were inseparable. I am certain that he was UWM's best-loved teacher and coach ever. I was privileged to run for him, and even more privileged just to know him. He was a true gentleman and made everyone who met him a better person.

Pat Notheis

September 26, 2010

I was privileged to compete under Coach Tierney at UWM from 1969-1973. He was one of the great gentlemen and teachers in America. He left his mark on UWM, Wisconsin and the United States. More important, he gave a little of himself to each of us.

Mike Moriarty

September 26, 2010

I'm very proud to have been a member of one of Coach Tierney's teams and will remember him fondly.

Tom Parris

September 26, 2010

John was a great asset for all of Wisconsin.
He was always a giving, knowledgeable person
who was inspirational to converse with......
even us cross-town rivals at Marquette U.

Tom Parris

September 26, 2010

John was a great asset to all of Wisconsin.
I was always inspired by his conduct and knowledge.

Michelle, Coach and Steve Bania at Tierney Track Classic

Steve & Michelle Bania

September 26, 2010

We’ll remember Coach for his wisdom, encouragement, laughter and friendship. He made UWM a better place and enriched the lives of the students and athletes who had the pleasure to call him “Coach”. We gladly volunteered to be “Clerks of Course” at many of the Tierney Track Classics held at UWM as a tribute to him (not just to wear the cool red shirts). It was an honor to have him introduce Michelle at her Hall of Fame induction ceremony. But our fondest memory of Coach was as our “matchmaker”. Coach was right. We just celebrated our 34th Wedding Anniversary and have 3 grown sons. All 5 members of the Bania family have competed in hurdles and 4 of us have coached track. Coach made us part of his family and we count him as part of ours. We are saddened by his passing, but will treasure our memories of a man who made our world a better place.

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