Thomas H. Zepf, PhD
February 13, 1935 – June 2, 2024
Thomas H., PhD, passed away June 2, 2024, at the age of 89. Tom was born in North College Hill, a suburb of Cincinnati, OH, on February 13, 1935, to the late Paul and Agnes (Schulz) Zepf. He is survived by his brother, Rick; nephew, Kevin Zepf; niece, Karen (Zepf) Heinrich (Tim); grandniece, Madeleine Heinrich; grandnephews, Timmy Heinrich and Declan Zepf; and many other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents; Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Larry; and sister-in-law, Marie (Harrigan) Zepf, and sister-in law, Patty (Strotman) Zepf.
Tom graduated Summa cum Laude in Physics from Xavier University in 1957, and then went to St. Louis University, where he received his Masters in 1960 and PhD in 1963. He was hired 
by Creighton University as an Assistant Professor of Physics in 1962, and served the university for 40 years. For 23 of those years he served as Chairman of the Physics Department. Due to his foresight and dedication, the period starting with his arrival became the wellspring of the Physics Department, as it is known today, both academically and regarding the construction of new facilities. Tom was promoted to Professor of Physics in 1975, and was instrumental in the acquisition of government and corporate grants for research and equipment. Tom started both the Bachelor of Science and the Master’s degrees in Physics. In all, he served on over 30 committees at Creighton and was consulted or affiliated with more than two dozen civic or educational groups. He was a recipient of the University’s Distinguished Faculty Service Award in 1987, and the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 1997. At the President’s Convocation on February 12, 2002, Tom was promoted to Professor Emeritus of Physics. Tom retired from Creighton at the end of the 2001-2002 academic year. After retirement, Tom continued his professional service activities.
Tom was also well known for the use of physics demonstrations in his teaching, and every Halloween, the entire Creighton community enjoyed his Haunted Physics Laboratory extravaganza. During the Christmas season, he did a Laser Light Show choreographed to the music of Mannheim Steamroller. Tom’s second love was magic, and he has given many magic shows to adults and children in his life. His knowledge of theatrical magic led him to develop a presentation on psychic phenomena and ESP that he did numerous times for groups of all ages. He also did workshops on “Teaching Physics with Magic” and “Mysteries from the Haunted Physics Lab” at national and regional meetings of the American Association of Physics Teachers.
Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, June 7th at 10:00 a.m. will be held at St. John’s Catholic Church on the Creighton campus.
Interment of cremains: St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, Cincinnati, OH
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to “The Thomas H. Zepf Endowed Physics Research Fund.” Please send to: Creighton University, Office of Development, 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE 68178
To view a live Broadcast of the Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click on the “LiveCast” button at the top of the homepage.
3 Comments
I will never forget Dr. Zepf – a great man. First time I met him was on the ground floor of the Rigge Science building in the Physics Department in fall of 1984. He will be greatly missed.
I knew Dr. Zepf not as one of his students, but as a good friend of my father. I have so many great memories of his visits with our family over the years. One time, he even put on a laser light show in our basement, and we were entertained by some of his magic tricks on other occasions. But most importantly, he was a great conversationalist and travel companion on some of our family’s trips, and brightened many holidays when he could spend a few days with us. Creighton University was very lucky to have him imparting his knowledge of Physics combined with his creativity and talent.
Always a loving, humble Uncle, with great intelligence. Uncle Tom is in my prayers forever, and will never be forgotten. He was a magical spirit who touched all of those who were blessed to meet his kind soul. I will love you always, Uncle Tom. Rest in Peace.
Sign Guestbook