Thomas Lotel German, age 82 of rural Hollandale died unexpectedly on Sunday evening, August 27, 2023 at the UW-Hospital after a cardiac event. Tom was born on August 23, 1941 in Aurora, Illinois to Kempton Lotel and Winnifred Lillian (Bray) German. His father was in the Army Medical Corps during World War II, and the family spent some time in the state of Washington while he was in service. They eventually settled in Eau Claire, Wisconsin where he grew up and attended grade school and graduated from high school in 1959. He graduated from the UW-Madison in 1963. He also earned his masters degree at Michigan State and his doctorate degree at UW-Madison. He eventually became a virology professor at the University of Hawaii and then around 1990 joined the UW-Madison faculty. Tom loved dogs, including his dog Ruby. He loved the Badgers and Packers. He was also a great fan of the Grateful Dead, and many forms of music. He enjoyed talking with young people, and mentoring them, especially into fields of science. He kept in touch with his graduate students to this day, many of them finding great success.

Tom is survived by his wife, Mary Diezel of rural Hollandale; a sister, Ann (Dean) German-Schultz of Eau Claire; a niece, grand niece and nephew, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

Memorial services will be held at a future date. Saether Funeral Service of Blanchardville is assisting the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at saetherfuneralservice.com

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A Student Support Fund was announced by the University of Wisconsin Foundation to honor Tom as follows:

Greetings and Happy New Year!

 We write to announce the University of Wisconsin Foundation Dr. Thomas L. German Student Support Fund – 112680009.  This fund was established to honor Emeritus Professor Dr. Thomas L. German.  The fund supports the professional development of graduate and undergraduate students in the University’s Departments of Entomology and Plant Pathology.  Students of Entomology will be eligible for the award from the fund in even years (starting 2024) and students of Plant Pathology will be eligible for the award in odd years (starting 2025).  

 The URL for the fund is:  https://supportuw.org/giveto/DrGermanFund

 We appreciate your consideration of support to this fund in honor of Tom, his science, his leadership, his mentorship, and his friendship. 

 Very best regards,

Amanda Gevens

Chair, Professor & Extension Specialist
1630 Linden Drive
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI 53706