Thomas Rostad

MADISON - Thomas James Rostad, president and co-owner of Dane County Title Company, passed away on Feb. 8, 2014, at The Don & Marilyn Anderson Agrace HospiceCare Center of Madison. Tom, 65, was born in Fargo, ND, and grew up across the Red River in Moorhead, MN.
He leaves behind his wife of 33 years, Genie Campbell Rostad, and two daughters, Berit, of Manhattan, NY, and Mollie, of Madison. He is also survived by two sisters, Ann (Todd) Haggart of Fargo and Susan (Doug) Davidson of Albuquerque, NM; and a brother, David (Cheryl) Rostad of Kindred; plus 10 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip Edward and Ruth Elaine (Sylvester) Rostad.
After earning his undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota, Tom moved to Madison in 1971 to attend law school at UW-Madison. Upon graduation in '74, he launched his own firm - Smoler, Albert and Rostad - with two other attorneys. Known for his expertise in real-estate law, Tom was recruited in 1986 to join Dane County Title. It was a perfect fit in every way. He helped the business to grow, while thoroughly enjoying the work and the people - his business partners, employees and customers, many of whom became lasting friends.
An avid sportsman and outdoorsman, Tom loved to fish, hunt and golf and took pride in feeding the wild birds outside his home. He annually visited the same lodge in Alaska with the same group of friends to fly fish for silver salmon. But he was just as happy fishing for trout in nearby Wisconsin streams.
He met his wife, Genie, on a back-woods, cross-country ski trail in Sauk County in 1980. Six months later they married. Genie was instantly attracted to his intellect, wit and voice. Tom loved to sing and he did so whenever he had the chance. Doo wops were his favorite - "Mack The Knife" his signature song.
A devoted husband and father, Tom was always there for his family and friends. He made a habit out of helping others - no one, for example, dispersed more free legal advice than he did. He was a good neighbor and loyal friend who always went out of his way to support people.
Though he battled prostate cancer for 11 years, Genie and Tom did not let the disease define their life together. Tom was a true "Norski," strong and determined. The couple traveled to Norway and New Zealand with their daughters in recent years. People who know him will appreciate the fact that he played 18 holes of golf two weeks before entering HospiceCare. And shot a 92.
He had a fulfilling life and career.
Please join his family at a visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, at Cress Funeral Home, 3610 Speedway Road, and during a service at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4100 Nakoma Road at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15.
In lieu of flowers, friends and colleagues seeking to honor Tom, are asked to consider donations in his name to Agrace HospiceCare of Madison.