Thomas Tronsdal
May 11, 1938 — April 5, 2013
Thomas V. Tronsdal, age 74, of Cibolo, TX, died Friday, 5 April, 2013 at his home following a battle with cancer. He was born May 11, 1938 in Eau Claire, WI. He was a graduate of Eau Claire High School, class of 1956. Mr. Tronsdal is survived by his wife, Sheila, of Cibolo TX; his son and daughter-in-law, Tommy and Amanda Tronsdal of Tucson, AZ; his grandson, Mac of Tucson AZ; his sister, Louise Klas of St. Paul, MN; his brother, John Tronsdal of Eau Claire, WI; his sister and brother-in-law, Johanna and Darwin Kaufman of Phoenix, AZ; his sister and brother-in-law, Ellen and Rick Pendergast of Eau Claire, WI; and many much loved nieces and nephews. Mr. Tronsdal was preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Helen (Bagley) Tronsdal of Eau Claire, WI. Mr. Tronsdal's career began when, at l8 years old, he was the youngest entertainment booking agent; booking big bands for about 100 teen dances over a 2 year period with up to 1,500 in attendance. After serving 4 years in the U.S. Air Force, Mr. Tronsdal served with the Minneapolis, MN Chamber of Commerce. During the Berlin Crisis, he assisted in a project to recruit professional personnel into the Army, and his success led to a personal invitation to the White House to receive an award from President John F. Kennedy. Mr. Tronsdal subsequently began his career in Federal Service, and retired after 31 years serving his country in both Army and Air Force Recreation and Family Programs stateside and overseas. Known as the "Kinder King," he positively impacted an entire generation of children as a result of managing Army Dependant Youth programs throughout the European Theater. Perhaps his proudest accomplishment was organizing "Teen Forum" (a mock presidential election) for teens throughout Europe, for which he enlisted Ann Landers as the keynote speaker. Mr. Tronsdal mentored scores of young recreation professionals on leadership, programming, and financial and facility management, many of whom continue to provide services to military servicemen and women throughout the world today. His legacy is one that will live on for years to come. Mr. Tronsdal garnered many awards throughout his career, including the Air Force Logistics Command Outstanding Recreation Manager of the Year, a citation by the vice president of the United States for his efforts in the president's Youth Opportunity Program, and the first-ever "Cyril P. Heiman Memorial Award" for professionalism and excellence in youth activities. Mr. Tronsdal will be missed by all those who knew him, worked with him and loved him. A memorial service will be held for Mr. Tronsdal at the Schertz Funeral Home on Friday, 19 April at 9:30 am. A graveside committal service will follow at Ft. Sam Houston at 11:15 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Hope Hospice, 611 N. Walnut Avenue, New Braunfels, TX 78130.
.
