Thomas Silver Mykrantz

  

July 15, 1925-April 6, 2017

 

 Thomas Silver Mykrantz passed away April 6, 2017, at Lifecare Hospice in Wooster, Ohio, following a period of declining health. Tom was born in Wooster on July 15, 1925, to Benny Silver and Edna Sigrist Mykrantz.

 

He graduated from Wooster High School in 1943, where he was active in band and FFA. He received his State FFA degree. He entered the U.S. Army serving in the Black Hawk Infantry Division and was stationed in the Philippines. He served in combat before becoming a Chaplain’s Assistant to Rev. Harry Walrond, who also became a lifelong friend.

 

Following his return from the Army, he turned his focus to farming and raising a family. Tom married Elsie Stahl Mykrantz on Oct. 19, 1952, in Newcomerstown, Ohio.

 

He farmed in partnership with his father, Benny and brother, Harry, raising Registered Jerseys. Tom and Harry developed a nationally recognized herd, drawing fellow Jersey breeders from around the globe. He worked with OSU extension on research projects and field days, as well as providing animals for youth judging contests, and was a 4-H advisor.

 

Tom was a member of many groups, including the Wayne-Holmes Jersey Cattle Club; District 7 Jersey Breeders; Ohio Jersey Breeders’ Assoc. (where he served on the board and was treasurer for four years); American Jersey Cattle Assoc., Ohio Young Farmer Committee (where he was an officer); Wayne County Planning Commission; and Wayne County Farm Bureau. He received the Ohio Jersey Breeders’ Assoc. Pioneer Service Award and the Wayne-Holmes Jersey Cattle Club’s Distinguished Service Award, among other honors.

 

He was also a member of Oak Chapel United Methodist Church. After he sold his dairy herd in 1985, he worked for Buehler’s, The Counseling Center, Zion Lutheran Church and Oak Chapel United Methodist Church.

 

In addition to his wife, Elsie, Tom is survived by three daughters, Julie Finney (Dr. Mike) of Marshallville, Susan Mykrantz of Wooster and Jane Fruth (Robert) of Tiffin; six grandchildren, Ben Finney (Sheena) of Troy, Beth Gardner (Brandon) of Plain City, Sarah Finney of Marshallville,

 

John Fruth (Samantha, fiancée) of Columbus, Paul Fruth of Baltimore, Md., and Anne Fruth of Tiffin; and three great-grandchildren.

 

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Harry and Richard; and an infant son, Teddy.

 

A memorial service was held April 12 at Oak Chapel United Methodist Church in Wooster, after cremation and a private burial service for family-only took place, arranged by McIntire, Bradham and Sleek Funeral Home of Wooster.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Scarlet & Gray Jersey Fund, c/o The Ohio State University Office of University Development, 1480 West Lane Ave., Columbus, OH 43221 (Ohio State University Foundation, Fund 313419); or Lifecare Hospice, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.