Thomas Kiser

Tom Kiser, 72, of Fremont, football coach, business entrepreneur, mentor and family man, passed away on May 2nd 2023, just three months after the loss of his loving wife Phyllis. He was born on March 15th, 1951 to his adoring parents, Herb and Felista "Smitty" Kiser. Tom met Phyllis while attending St. Joseph Catholic High School and they married November 24, 1972. Celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with their entire family on Thanksgiving Day was a blessing. Tom was a giant of a man. His drive was infectious; his generosity legendary. 

Tom grew up in a tightknit family with 8 other siblings. He worked for his father, a business owner himself, where he learned hard work and how relationships could make or break a project. After graduating from Fremont St. Joe, Tom went to college in St. Louis, where he first discovered his uncanny knack for using what he humbly called "high school physics" to solve complex problems respecting energy consumption and conservation. This was the foundation for Tom's business that would eventually take him around the globe. 

After college he moved home to Fremont and married his one true love, Phyllis (Mayle). Firstborn child, Russ, soon made them parents, followed by Ed then daughter Michelle. It was time for Tom to pursue his passion for sustainability while being the best provider for his family that he could. So, after securing an SBA loan using Phyllis' wedding ring as collateral, Tom launched his first solo venture on Valentine's Day 1979, an engineering firm he incorporated as Professional Supply, Inc. Soon afterwards, he and Phyllis' fourth child, Louie, completed the family.

Early on, Tom laid the foundation of constant innovation with accountability that led to a career trajectory that never stopped trending upward. Tom was a leader in the energy conservation and sustainability "green" movement before it was culturally popular. Tom found a straight-talking way to explain his patented innovations to skeptical corporate titan audiences and inspire their pursuit of his out of the box solutions. Vice President Gore took notice and appointed Tom to a board that fostered cooperation between the United States and China on sustainability issues. Tom most recently worked with his sons on renovating the energy systems within a world leading cancer research hospital in New York City. Life came fast for "America's Energy Coach.", but no matter where work took Tom; Canada, China, India, or New York, his heart stayed with family in Fremont.

He coached flag football and basketball (usually clad in his trademark 1980's tight coaching shorts no matter the weather) on nights and weekends after toiling away all week at the office and on the road. Tom's coaching career followed his sons and daughter from grade school YMCA through high school sports. He gave young athletes a roadmap for success on the field and in life. Some have shared the impact he made on them: "I could do more than I ever thought capable", "so kind off the field", "taught me so much about hard work, determination and respect for others", "tough but fair, you always knew where you stood with him. I never wanted to disappoint him." 

Tom's coaching continued after his kids left home. It didn't matter your background or school: Tom lent his talents and time generously coaching hundreds of athletes in Fremont (St. Joe and Ross), Sandusky, Toledo and as a special consultant to Jim Tressell during Ohio State's magical 2002 championship season. Tom coached virtually every position in seemingly every sport, made each player on his teams feel like they had something to contribute, and took genuine interest in just about everyone he met.

Tom was on the current coaching staff for the Fremont Ross football team. Head coach Chad Long said; "He doesn't give up on kids, He works with every kid and every kid loves him. He always sees good. He's the most humble guy. He's funny. He loves life. He loves his grandkids and his kids. He has the biggest heart in the world. He has a passion and love of the game. He has experience and wisdom. He's phenomenal." His players respected and appreciated the time he invested in them. In truth, Tom got back twice as much as he gave because he treasured all the moments behind the scenes of competitive team sports and loved the athletes and families he met along the way. He took his kids, his players and many others to Ohio State, Michigan, and NFL games. A common thread with Tom was the echo of laughter that always surrounded him. 

Tom was a fixture at community events. Tom was an original founder of the Catholic Education Development Fund, which still exists today to help families pay tuition. Tom served on the board of the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center in Fremont and tirelessly gave back to his community in too many ways to list. 

Tom became a Papa with the birth of Michelle's first son, Alex. Then Ed married Elizabeth and Russ married Jessica. Ed and Russ, engineers themselves, came to work with their dad, which meant that the entire family lived in Fremont again. Things got even better as more grandchildren, for a total of seven grandsons and one granddaughter; Alex, Will, Dominic, Ty, Lily, Cody, Zach, and Tommy. This led to more Ohio State versus Michigan disputes, backyard grilling, pickup football and basketball games, and ridiculous Kiser Family debates covering a range of topics. 

Nobody could've predicted back in 1972 all that Tom and Phyllis would experience together. What a ride they shared and what a shining example of grace and resolve. Tom's legacy lives on through his family, student-athletes, and the many positive contributions he made to the world. We lost an American original who left everything on the field.

Tom is survived by his children and grandchildren mentioned above, his siblings Janet Kiser, Angie Kiser, Don Kiser (Judy), Karen Lowery (Mike), Joan Kiser, and Marcia Mapus (Leo); brothers and sisters in law Mary Luc (Joe), Ron Mayle (Mary Ellen), Karen Hanson (Greg), Joe Mayle (Andrea), Pam Babione (Jay), and Tony Mayle; and many loving nieces and nephews. Tom was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis, his parents Herb and Smitty Kiser, his in-laws Dick and Lou Mayle, and his brothers Bill, John, and Jeff Kiser.

In Lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider contributing to the sports programs where Tom Kiser coached, mentored, and inspired so many. 

Fremont Saint Joseph Central Catholic Athletics;  702 Croghan St, Fremont, Ohio 43420

Ross Athletics Department; 1100 North St, Fremont, Ohio 43420

Sandusky High School Athletics Department;  2130 Hayes Ave Sandusky, Ohio 44870

The family has been overwhelmed learning wonderful new stories of Tom's impacts on people. We ask that you consider sharing your stories of how Tom affected you or someone close to you. You can email or mail them to Russ Kiser at russkiser@yahoo.com / 15 Fox Run Dr, Fremont, OH 43420. 

Visitation for Tom will be held on Monday, May 8, 2023 at Hanneman-Keller Funeral Home, 416 S. Arch Street, Fremont Ohio from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm at which time there will be Rosary. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fremont on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 10:00 am. Burial will follow Mass at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Hanneman Funeral Homes is honored to serve Tom's family and encourage those to share a fond memory or condolence by visiting www.hannemanfuneralhomes.com.

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