Timothy “Tim” L. Taschwer, 82

Timothy “Tim” L. Taschwer, of Plover, died Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at House of the Dove in Marshfield, Wisconsin. He was 82.

Taschwer was born July 21, 1941, in Milwaukee, to Joseph and Lucille (Radtke) Taschwer. He grew up in central Wisconsin and had an adventurous love of the outdoors, which he pursued in college after graduating high school.

In 1959, Taschwer began attending Wisconsin State College, now known as the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. During his freshman year, he was introduced to what is now the Schmeeckle Reserve, an outdoor laboratory for biology and conservation classes. He served three years as the campus chief student photographer and participated in photographing the initial future Schmeeckle Reserve acreage. He graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree in natural resources, geography, and economics.

After graduation, Taschwer used his photography skills in the not-for-profit sector with Easter Seals Wisconsin, working in public relations, community organization, and fundraising roles for 11 years. In 1977, he became president and CEO of Easter Seals in New Mexico, where he served for 18 years. In 1995, he was named the first president and CEO of the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) Educational Foundation, retiring in 2005. He also did graduate work in public relations at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and in business administration at the University of New Mexico.

In 2013, Taschwer was honored with the Order of the Golden Eagle award, the highest honor conferred by the TKE International Fraternity.

In early 2014, Taschwer returned to Wisconsin, joining the Friends of Schmeeckle Reserve as a charter member. He was also a supporter of the Green Circle Trail, a member of the Plover Kiwanis Club, Sierra Club-John Muir Chapter, Ice Age Trail Alliance-Marquette County Chapter, New Mexico Mountain Club, Wild Spirit Wolf Sanctuary in New Mexico, and supported the International Campaign for Tibet.

In 2016, Taschwer was elected to the Friends board of directors and served as the chair of the advancement committee, which handled revenue generation and fundraising for the benefit of the reserve.

Taschwer was an avid traveler, with favorite destinations including Thailand, Nepal, and Tibet. One of his most memorable trips was trekking to Mt. Everest’s north slope base camp at 18,000 feet in Tibet.

Survivors include his sister-in-law, Kay Taschwer; niece, Jody Taschwer-Milsap; nephews, Jeffrey (Lori) and Michael (Lesli) Taschwer; and lifelong friends, James and Lenore Haferman. He is also survived by seven great-nieces and nephews.

Taschwer was preceded in death by his fiancée, Jennifer; parents, Joseph and Lucille; and a brother, Thomas Taschwer.

No formal services are planned. Shuda Funeral Home is assisting the family.