Thomas R. Wyman's Obituary
Thomas Robert Wyman, 97, passed away peacefully at his home on June 10, 2024. He was born the son of Earl & Naomi (Merke) Wyman on April 9, 1927, in Oshkosh, WI. He attended Exeter Academy, graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1945 and Ripon College in 1949. Tom married his soul mate Shirley Friedrich on September 30, 1950. Together, they had two children who were the lights of their lives.
Together, Tom and Shirley enjoyed traveling, playing tennis, playing cards, spending time with their family, and socializing with their many friends. They cared deeply about Oshkosh and were philanthropic in supporting the community as a vibrant, wonderful place to live and raise a family. Tom continued the Wyman legacy and was proud that his son and three grandchildren returned and placed their roots in Oshkosh where they are raising their families.
He entered the family business, Oshkosh B'Gosh, from 1949 until his retirement as Executive Vice President in 1993. He was proud to be instrumental in the growth of this local company that achieved international recognition.
Tom served on many boards and committees including the boards of Oshkosh B'Gosh, Ripon College, American Apparel Manufacturers Association, Power Boat Club, Oshkosh Yacht Club, and other civic organizations.
In winter he enjoyed tennis, golf, boating, sailing and fishing at his home at The Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, FL., where he was a member of The Card Sound Golf Club, Card Sound Sailing Club, Racquet Club, Key Largo Anglers Club and The Ocean Reef Yacht Club.
From an early age, Tom enjoyed sailing one design sailboats: Snipe, A Scow and his favorite, the E Scow. He was a member of the Inland Lake Yachting Association and was Bilge Puller #377. Tom loved a good regatta. After retiring from sailing, he was always on the water watching his family compete. During post-race family dinners, he would use dining utensils and salt and pepper shakers (boats and buoys) to teach tactics, strategy and how to improve a race finish.
He took pride in his yard at his Oshkosh home, loved big band music, enjoyed annual family ski trips until he was in his eighties, enjoyed going to dinner via boat (especially The Power Boat Club and Jimmy's White House Inn) and took any opportunity he could to be involved with his family and grandchildren. Tom lived a very full life, was incredibly humble and a true example of a gentleman.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents Earl and Naomi Wyman, his beloved wife Shirley, and his sister Joyce Wyman Hyde and her husband, Charles Fritz Hyde.
He is survived by his daughter Ann E Wolf (Leonard) in North Carolina, son Bill Wyman (Beth), his grandchildren Will (Kate), Max (Dani) and Kate (Chad) Durkee as well as his five great grandchildren River, Sophie, Grayson, Harper and Cameron, all of Oshkosh.
A celebration of life will be held for Tom on Thursday, June 20th from 4:00 to 7:00 at The Waters, 1393 Washington Avenue, with a short eulogy by his grandchildren at 5:30. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation Thomas & Shirley Wyman Fund.
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