Thomas Shaffer Williams

Thomas Shaffer Williams, 80, of Oshkosh, died in Wednesday, March 19, 2014. He was born July 3, 1933, in Oshkosh, WI the son of Eugene G. Williams and Virginia Shaffer Williams. He married Valerie Irene Pressendo on June 15, 1956 in Chicago Heights, IL. Tom graduated from Oshkosh High School in 1951. He attended Carleton College (where he met his wife Valerie) and graduated cum laude in 1955 with a B.A. in Psychology. Attended Harvard University 1955-56, and graduated University of Wisconsin J.D. magna cum laude 1958. Editor Wisconsin Law Review 1957-58. Member Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Delta Phi, and Order of the Coif. Tom served as a judge in Winnebago County from Jan. 1974 until his retirement on July 31, 1998. He served as Deputy Chief Judge Fourth Judicial Administrative District 1982-84 and 1990. Prior to taking a seat as a judge he was an attorney, following his father and grandfather, starting in 1958. In retirement Tom worked part time as a reserve judge until his illness no longer allowed him to do so. Tom was extremely active in community service, starting in his early years working with the Boy Scouts of America. He served as Council Commissioner for Twin Lakes Council, and on many other levels within the local scouting community. Programs for those in need of help were near to his heart. He was a member of the committee that established the Big Brothers program in the Fox Valley Region and served for a time as the President. He was an instrumental supporter of ADVOCAP (A community-based and locally-controlled, private, nonprofit corporation founded in 1966). Tom and Valerie served as foster parents for 22 years. Tom was also very active in the local Kiwanis chapter. Tom loved to bow hunt, and was a member of the Omro Bowhunters. He was the President of the Wisconsin Bowhunters Association and worked extensively to get the laws changed to allow tree stand hunting. He was also a member of the state conservation congress. He was also an active member of the First Congregational Church. Toms many other achievements, interests and activities are far too numerous to list. Left to remember Tom are his wife Valerie, his brother George (Nancy) of Tucson, his sister, Ann W. Marshall of Oshkosh. Tom and Vals five children, Barbara Meyer (Howard) of New London, WI. John Williams (Jill) of Oshkosh. Daniel Williams (LoriAnn) of Berlin, WI. Jean Wald (Bill Curtis) of Bismark ND. Richard Williams (April Rothlesberger) of Berlin. His seven grandchildren, Brian Steinert, Valerie and Thomas Williams, Shelby Williams, and Haley, Irene, and Conrad Wald. One great grandson, Cashton Thomas Williams. Niece Amy Williams (Russ) and their three children. As well as his former son-in-law Steven Wald. A memorial service will be on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at Noon at the First Congregational Church (137 Algoma Blvd.) with the Rev Ralph and Rev. Carol DiBiaso-Snyder officiating. Family and friends may visit at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to the time of service.In lieu of flowers memorials to the First Congregational Church or the Bay Lakes Boy Scouts of America would be appreciated.

First Congregational Church



137 Algoma Blvd
Oshkosh
WI
54901

00:00.0
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.



First Congregational Church



137 Algoma Blvd
Oshkosh
WI
54901

00:00.0
12:00 p.m.



First Congregational Church



137 Algoma Blvd.
Oshkosh
WI
54901






Bat Lakes Council of the Boy Scouts of America




Oshkosh
WI