Thomas Francis Schindler

Thomas Francis Schindler, age 83, passed away on May 5, 2023. Tom, as he was known to most, was a beloved husband, father, teacher, and friend. He moved his young family to Rib Mountain in 1970 and for his last 14 years lived across the street from Wausau West High School's athletic fields where he taught English for 27 years (primarily American Literature and Creative Writing). Tom retired from teaching in 1995. Among his many gifts, Tom was a writer, a cross-stitch artist, photographer, and prolific bicycle rider. By his 80th birthday he had ridden over 80,000 miles - each ride logged by hand in a small notebook. Before embarking on a teaching career, Tom served for 6 years as a U.S. Naval officer with several tours at sea on the U.S.S. Cascade. Tom also served faithfully as an Elder, teacher, and caring friend to many over the years at Highland Community Church. More importantly, Tom's life was a wonderful story of a young man who overcame adversity and was richly sustained by a saving faith in Jesus Christ. He is now joyfully present with his Lord in glory.

Tom was born in St. Paul, MN to Fred Osthoff and Viola Chatain and was raised by Clarence Schindler and Viola Schindler (Chatain) in Grantsburg, WI. In June of 1961, Tom married Carol Schindler (Lindsay) now deceased. In February of 2009, Tom was married to Sue Schindler (Craft) of Wausau, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by Fred Osthoff (father), Viola Osthoff (mother), Clarence Schindler (step-father), Carol Schindler (wife), Jack Schindler (brother), Annabelle Pfaff (step-sister), and Kenneth Schindler (infant son). He is survived by Sue Schindler (wife); Mark and Sheila Schindler (son) of Dayton, OH; Daniel and Mary Beth Schindler (son) of Fergus Falls, MN; Kathryn and Timothy Johnson (daughter) of Beloit, WI; Jay and Ruth Craft (step-son) of Columbia Heights, MN; Carla and John Schult (step-daughter) of Wausau, WI; Jody and Tim Baumgardt (step-daughter) of Wausau, WI; 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held May 13, 2023 from 10:00AM to 11:00AM at Highland Community Church's Wausau Campus located at 1005 N 28th Ave, Wausau, WI 54401. Immediately following the visitation, Pastor Ken Moberg will officiate a memorial service to celebrate Tom's life.