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.
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| Thomas A. Geldermann |
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.
