Former Marshfield News-Herald, Wheeler News Service and broadcast journalist Thom Gerretsen, 71, died on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
Following 21 years in radio news, in 1999, Gerretsen joined the Marshfield News-Herald as a general assignment reporter, and was quickly promoted to managing editor in less than a year. In late 2001, he was recruited to become chief editor for Wheeler News Service, where he was responsible for writing news and sports copy each day to be used by more than 75 Wisconsin stations.
He retired in November 2017 but continued to contribute columns for the Hub City Times in Marshfield and Packerland Magazine and share his expertise about issues and topics on social media.
In 2021, Thom was inducted into the Wisconsin Broadcasters Hall of Fame for his many years of service to the profession, and was recently named as one of Marshfield’s 150 Heroes and Leaders of the Past and Present.
Funeral services will be held beginning at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 20, 2024, at Faith Lutheran Church in Marshfield with visitation prior to the service from 9-11 a.m.
Gerretsen is survived by his wife of 45 years, Jean; along with his children Michael Gerretsen and Bryan (Amy) Gerretsen, grandchildren, friends and other family members. Read the full obituary here.
