Thomas O. Nitsch September 13, 1931 – May 31, 2015 Tom was born in Seguin, Texas, on September 13, 1931, and died on May 31, 2015. He was the only child of Otto Nitsch, Jr. and Margaret Nitsch. He graduated from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, then attended Auburn University and later Ohio State, where he received his doctorate. He taught at Creighton University from 1960-1963 and then at St. Mary’s. In 1966 he returned to Creighton and taught there until 1997 when he retired as Professor Emeritus of Economics. Tom had varied interests. He was actively involved with the Association for Social Economics, and served a term as its President. He was involved with University committees, with the American Association of University Professors, and with groups in the community such as the Urban League, and was active in the establishment of the Sioux Indian Center in Omaha. He was involved with the Archdiocese as a member of the Catholic Commission on Human Relations and as a Deanery delegate. According to him though, his proudest professional achievement was helping to organize the Sixth World Congress of Social Economics held at Creighton in 1990. This conference celebrated the 100th anniversary of the papal encyclical, Rerum Novarum. This encyclical was the first to deal with social economics, and so was very special to him. Tom’s main interest was in the research and writing of scholarly papers on the history and philosopy of Economics, especially Social Economics and Political Economy. His research took him to numerous libraries in the United States and Europe where he spent long, happy hours. His office at Creighton was a jumble of books and papers which covered the floor, tables, desk, and bookcases. Tom had a wonderful sense of humor and never ran out of jokes to relate. He always attributed the cornier ones to the Boy Scout Camp he attended in his youth! Although he lived the last half of his life in Nebraska, he remained proud of his Texas heritage, especially when it came to his love of barbequeing. He is survived by his wife, Jo; son, Carl Nitsch; daughters Jessica Nitsch and Sarah Nitsch; daughter and son-in-law Rebecca and Christopher Cooke; much-loved granddaughter Sterling Nitsch; and his brother, John Thormeyer. Interment will be at St. James Cemetery in his home town of Seguin, Texas. The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 3rd from 5pm to 7pm, with VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm, all at the West Center Chapel. MEMORIAL MASS Thursday, June 4th at 11am at Mary Our Queen Catholic Church. Memorials are suggested to Creighton University Library.
HEAFEY-HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK & CUTLER Mortuaries and Crematories 7805 West Center Road Omaha, Nebraska 68124 (402) 391-3900
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