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Tom Hosmanek’s heritage is primarily Slovakian, but his heart has been and always will be in Wisconsin. Tom’s grandparents, originally from Slovakia, moved to the United States in 1918 when they were both 18 years old, and settled in South Milwaukee, WI. Tom’s father was born near Milwaukee, became a teacher and attained a PhD in education. He was the superintendent of the Kenosha school district when he finally decided to retire. Tom’s mother earned her Master’s degree in education, and taught junior high math for many years before she retired.
Tom was born on September 2, 1951, in Shaboygan. He lived there with his family until he reached fourth grade, when his family moved to Kenosha, which he considers to be his hometown. He earned his bachelor’s degree in government from Lawrence University in Appleton and professionally, he is a Certified Life Underwriter (CLU). Tom worked five years in broadcasting and radio news business. He also has worked for the past 25 years at Modern Woodmen of America, where he is currently an agency manager in Davenport, Iowa.
One of Tom’s favorite hobbies is Aikido, which is a Japanese martial art. Tom currently has a second-degree black belt in Aikido. He also enjoys fishing, hiking, traveling, reading and golfing. With so many hobbies, Tom said he does not have much time left for volunteering, but he enjoys giving to charity as his contribution to the community. His charitable interests tend to gravitate toward educational causes where assistance is given based on merit. He also enjoys contributing to causes that involve supporting individuals who are taking personal responsibility for improving themselves. Education grants to underprivileged children in the Slovak Republic are another one of his charitable interests.
Tom said he manages his philanthropic efforts through the Community Foundation of the Great River Bend because he feels it is a convenient way to sort of “have his own foundation.”
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