Ehlert, Thomas Clarence, Ph.D 

Passed on Nov. 6, 2017 at age 86.  Born to Clarence Ehlert and Loretta (Immel) Ehlert on July 1, 1931 in Milwaukee, WI.  He is survived by his life companion Carole Kauss, his children Eva (David Tuinstra), Erik (Julie), Andrew (Maggie) and Thomas P. (Carey) and nine grandchildren.

At Washington HS, class of 1949, he excelled in chemistry, his life’s passion. He enrolled in the Wisconsin State Teachers College (now UWM) and played basketball for the State team. Tom entered the US Army and was trained as a guided missile maintenance specialist.  Post military, he completed his BS, MS, and Ph.D in chemistry at UW-Madison and identified the melting point of Uranium Dioxide.  With a slew of Army pals, basketball teammates, college and neighborhood friends, Tom enjoyed a good social life.  He was a chemistry professor at Marquette University for 3 decades, teaching 1000s of students. As a long-term resident of Wauwatosa he had 4 children, with his wife Ilse (divorced).  Tom was recognized by Milwaukee County with a Commendation for his work on the Oak Leaf Bike Trail in Wauwatosa.  His interests included Pomeranian/German genealogy, Milwaukee history, volunteering at GermanFest and SCORE, improving his cottage, walking with Carole and visiting with friends. With his great intellect and strong will Tom is now in a better place with no aches and pains and no cheap beer.

Visitation:  Monday, November 13, 10am to 12noon, at Schmidt-Bartelt (101st and North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI).  Memorial service to follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations "in memory of Thomas C Ehlert" can be made payable to the Washington HS Alumni Scholarship Foundation PO Box 17032,  Milwaukee, WI. 53317