Obit: Tyznik, William J. “Bill” (1927 - 2013)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Tyznik, Hill, Speakman, Roboski, Walrath, Noggle, Lemaster

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 5/22/2013

Tyznik, William J. “Bill” (26 April 1927 - 3 May 2013)

William J. “Bill” Tyznik died on Friday, May 3, 2013, from an aortic aneurysm shortly after his 86th birthday. Born in Milwaukee on April 26, 1927, Bill grew up on the family dairy farm in Thorp, Wisconsin. He studied in a one-room schoolhouse on the family property, and graduated from Thorp High School in 1944. He attended the University of Wisconsin where he received his Bachelor’s (1948), Master’s (1949) and Ph. D. (1951) degrees in the College of Agriculture. He joined the Ohio State University Faculty in 1951 (the same year as Woody Hayes) for an annual salary of $4,500. He became a full professor of Animal Science in 1959 and retired in 1992 after 41 years of service.

Teaching was his joy and his passion. Every quarter he would memorize the names of his 150 students, startling many when he called upon them in class. He was a student favorite, winning numerous teaching awards. He was a pioneer in horse nutrition research, invented the Tizwhiz line of premium horse feeds and Frosty Paws dog treats, lectured around the world, and greeted friends and admirers every year at the Quarter Horse Congress and Equine Affaire expositions in Columbus, Ohio. He was an active member of the Grandview Community and Saint Christopher Parish.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents: John and Anna Tyznik; his brother Joe Tyznik; and great-grandson, Anders Noggle.

He is survived by Bette, his beloved wife of 62 years; big brother, Tony; children: Melissa (Clum) Hill, Lori (Paul) Speakman, Patty (Chuck) Roboski, John (Jude) and Jim Tyznik; grandchildren: heather (Shawn) Walrath, Meghan (Brendan) Noggle, Chelsi (Sean) Lemaster, Katherine, Patrick, Michael, Thomas, Colin and Chloe Tyznik, Andrew and Amy Speakman, Claire, Will, Rose, Annie, John and Joe Roboski; great-grandchildren: Jack and Sam Walrath and Drew Noggle; and a multitude of nieces, nephews and dear friends.

A funeral Mass was held on Thursday, May 9, 2013, at Saint Christopher Church, 1420 Grandview Avenue, Columbus, Ohio. Donations to the church are appreciated.