It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of our dear colleague, mentor and friend, Thomas W. Bertz, Sr. Tom was an exceptional attorney and a true community leader. Prior to his retirement in 2018, Tom practiced at Anderson O’Brien, LLP for 39 years and tried over 100 civil trials. Tom served on countless boards and commissions and was involved in numerous professional activities, including the Litigation Section, State Bar of Wisconsin; Wisconsin Supreme Court, Preliminary Review Committee (Office of Lawyer Regulation); Western District of Wisconsin Bar Association, Past President (Federal Bar Association); American Bar Association; Portage County Bar Association, Past President; Board of Governors, State Bar of Wisconsin – Liaison to Professional Ethics Section and Real Property, Probate and Trust Section; Wisconsin Association of Worker’s Compensation Attorneys, President 2006; and State Bar of Wisconsin – Board of Governors 2004-2006 to name a few. Tom was elected to the Wisconsin Judicial Council in 2009 and re-elected 3 times. He served as the chair of the council from 2010-2018.
While he formed hundreds of professional relationships, his family was his greatest source of pride. Tom enjoyed nothing more than spending time with family and friends, particularly enjoying sports as a lifelong Wisconsin and UW-Stevens Point fan. We are all grateful for having known and worked with Tom Bertz. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and with all whose life he touched.
Obituary for Attorney Thomas Bertz, Sr. - https://www.shudafuneral.com/obituaries/Thomas-W.-Bertz-Sr.?obId=27577033#/celebrationWall
Tributes from past and present AOB attorneys and staff:
“I have fond memories of being recruited by Tom to serve on various community organizations and to speak at Rotary meetings! He truly was passionate about service to the community and the State Bar." - Attorney Amy Eddy
"Tom was a kind person. He always asked how my kids and family were doing every time I spoke with him. I enjoyed working with him. He will be greatly missed." - Lisa Hansen
"I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. It was 49 short years ago when Tom interviewed me at the Hot Fish Shop for a law clerk position at the office. For some unknown reason,Tom and the office hired me. For that, I will be forever grateful. Rest in peace Tom." - Emeritus Attorney Robert Konkol
"Tom also worked many long hours on behalf of the firm and our clients. He promoted the firm every opportunity he had and always attended our estate planning seminars to greet our guests." - Emeritus Attorney Ronald Skrenes
"We saw him last at the Christmas party and Jenny and I had a great time talking to him and Tom Junior. I vividly remember when he first came to Stevens Point to be with the firm, and he was certainly an asset for the firm considering his trial experience, when he worked in Madison. I also remember vividly his love for the Packers, which is enshrined in the [office] basement meeting room." - Emeritus Attorney Maury Rice and his wife Jenny
"Tom wasn’t just a great attorney, he was a wonderful mentor. He helped welcome me to the firm and introduce me to many people in the community. We will miss him!!!" - Attorney David James
"Tom was not only an excellent attorney but also a truly caring person. He always took time out of his day to stop by my office and chat about the UWSP Pointers and Wisconsin basketball teams. He was a good friend to many. I feel very fortunate and blessed that I had the opportunity to share time with Tom as my mentor, business partner and friend." - Attorney Rick Flugaur
"Tom came to our firm as an experienced attorney, which we needed at that time. He was all that and more. He will be missed by all of us." - Emeritus Attorney Gerald O'Brien