Former WDLB News Director Passes Away

Friday, September 13th, 2024 -- 10:01 AM

(Wisconsin Broadcasters Association) WBA Hall of Fame inductee (2021) Thom Gerretsen died Saturday after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 71.

Gerretsen touched millions of lives during his long career covering news and sports in Wisconsin. His writing and his voice were on the air in every market across the state. Gerretsen started his career in 1974 at WCLO-AM and WJVL-FM in Janesville.

In 1975 he was named news director at WPDR-AM and WDDC-FM in Portage. He joined Goetz Broadcasting in Marshfield in 1978 where he served as assistant news director before being named news director in 1986.

He contributed to networks that delivered news and sports content to many of the top radio stations in Wisconsin. He interviewed presidents and sports legends and covered many Wisconsin sports teams, including the Green Bay Packers.

Gerretsen’s philosophy was to “provide more local news to the community than any other station in the surrounding markets.” His stations were known for having the story first. News directors from around the state called Gerretsen “the best in the business.”

Gerretsen joined Wheeler News Service in 2002 as chief editor where he wrote dozens of news stories each day that were distributed statewide. According to his obituary, Gerretsen retired in November 2017 but continued to contribute columns for the Hub City Times in Marshfield and Packerland Magazine and share his expertise about issues and topics on social media.

Funeral services will be held Friday, Sept. 20 at 11 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Marshfield with visitation prior to the service from 9-11 a.m. With Thom having been an avid fan of all sports, the family is encouraging everyone to wear their favorite team attire. Livestreaming of the service will be available.

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