In Memory
Thomas D. Wisner
Thomas D. Wisner, known affectionately as Tom to his family and friends, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2024, in Mishawaka, IN with his loving family by his side. Born on August 5, 1936, in Huntington, IN, Tom lived a rich and vibrant life that was distinguished by his service to his country, his passion for education, and his devotion to his family.
Tom was the beloved husband of Joan (Klebusits) Wisner, who had been his partner in life since they were married on July 2, 1961, at Castle Air Force Base in Merced, CA. Their marriage was a testament to love and companionship, enduring for 63 remarkable years. Tom was a devoted father to Steven (Charles) Wisner. He was preceded in death by his father Clarence Wisner, his mother Arlene (Holmes) Wisner, and his brother Richard Wisner.
A proud graduate of South Bend Clay High School, class of 1954, Tom's quest for knowledge and pursuit of excellence continued throughout his life. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Chaminade College in Honolulu, HI, while serving in the Air Force and went on to achieve three master's degrees from Indiana University South Bend (IUSB) after his retirement from the Air Force.
Tom's career in the United States Air Force spanned 22 years. He enlisted as an airman and, following an honorable discharge, he attended navigation school at Harlingen AFB, TX, where he became a lieutenant upon graduation and earned his wings. Notably, as a lieutenant, he received expert training as a navigator in a KC-135, skillfully refueling fighters and bombers at speeds of 500-600 mph. Tom was skillful as a navigator he had to plot their location in the air using the stars, not a radar, to get their location. Tom was stationed at numerous Air Force bases including, Bunker Hill AFB, IN, Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C., Fairchild AFB, WA, Castle AFB, CA, Maxwell AFB, AL, NKP AFB, Thailand, Hickam AFB, HI, and Grissom AFB, IN. Tom was highly regarded within the Air Force where he achieved the rank of Major. After his military service, Tom’s commitment to education and technology led him to teach computer classes at IUSB. He later founded a learning center at Computer Land in Mishawaka and was instrumental in training numerous individuals at Bayer in Elkhart.
His adventurous spirit was reflected in his love of travel, exploring the world with his family, and indulging his passion for cars as a member of various car clubs in his cherished Ford.
Those who knew Tom can attest to his loving, adventurous, and selfless nature—qualities that deeply enriched the lives of all around him. Tom's legacy is imprinted on the hearts of those who loved him and in the many lives he touched with his generous spirit. He will be missed dearly, but his warmth and vitality will continue to inspire us all. With Tom's passing, the world has lost a truly remarkable man, but his memory will live on as a beacon of the values he so embodied: love, adventure, and selflessness.
Visitation and Mass of Christian burial will take place at Christ the King Catholic Church located at 52473 State Hwy 933 South Bend, IN 46637, on Saturday, July 27, 2024, with visitation beginning at 11:30 a.m. and mass to follow at 12:30 a.m. A private burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens at a later date. Palmer Funeral Home ~ Bubb Chapel, 3910 N. Main Street, Mishawaka, Indiana 46545 has been entrusted with his care.
Condolences may be offered to the family via the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
07/15/2024 EJS
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