Robert D. Tomasek

Robert D. Tomasek, 91, died April 7, 2019, at Presbyterian Manor in Lawrence, Kansas. He was born in Chicago on January 16, 1928, to Joseph and Louise (Pojman) Tomasek. Bob attended schools in Riverside, Illinois. He graduated from Grinnell College in 1950, majoring in history. He then went to the School of Advanced International Studies of Johns Hopkins University, concentrating on Latin American Studies. Before finishing there, he was drafted and served 11 months in the Korean War in an artillery outfit. On returning home, he married Ruth Waltershausen, on November 28, 1953. He then used the GI bill for four years of graduate work at the University of Michigan, where he earned an M.A. and Ph.D. in political science. Midway through the four years, Bob and Ruth took a six-month trip to Europe and Morocco.

In 1957, Bob was offered a job in the political science department at the University of Kansas teaching Latin American affairs and international law. He was a professor at KU for 35 years and also spent one year as a visiting professor at Indiana University. While at KU, Bob worked up new seminars on theories of international relations and conflict resolution. The seminars on international relations became his favorite topic. Bob’s research covered a number of controversies in Latin America, such as exile disputes, the Bolivian land-locked issue, arms races, the strategy of the OAS in dispute settlements, and peace plans for Central America. He received a Dougherty grant to study the Christian Democratic Party of Chile and grants to study specific aspects of U.S.-Mexican relations. He came out with one of the first books of readings on Latin American politics. He was proud that his research could cover areas outside of Latin America, resulting in a published article on the 1975 mediation between Iraq and Iran.

Bob was an avid outdoor enthusiast. Canoeing was his favorite pastime, resulting in eight 10-day canoe trips in the Boundary Waters and the Quetico. After feeling he had seen the best of those two wilderness areas, he used Canadian logging roads and railroads to find lakes north of the Quetico that were less crowded. He did a number of backpacking trips in the Wind River and Beartooth ranges in Wyoming and Montana. In his later years he camped and fished for trout in Colorado on two- to three-week exploratory trips.

Bob volunteered at LINK and helped Ruth deliver Meals on Wheels. He was a longtime member of Trinity Episcopal Church, ushering for many years.

He is survived by three daughters, Mary Carey (John), Freehold, N.J., Katherine Tomasek, Lawrence, and Sarah Tomasek (Alan Yost), North Andover, Mass., and by three grandchildren, Helen Carey, Rachel Yost, and Christopher Yost. Also surviving is his brother, Donald.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, on May 6, 2016.

A private graveside service will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Contributions in memory of Bob may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. Online condolences may be sent to warrenmcelwain.com.

6 Condolences

  1. George and Cindy on April 10, 2019 at 7:18 pm

    Dear Mary, Katherine, and Sarah,
    We join you in mourning Bob’s death and also in remembering Bob’s life of academic achievement and his love of the outdoors. We love the photo of George and Bob you sent, Mary.
    We are sending our love.



  2. Margaret Waltershausen on April 10, 2019 at 8:36 pm

    Dear Mary, Katherine, and Sarah,
    I have so many wonderful memories of your father! I remember how Bob would greet George and me with a head rub (“fuzzy lemon!”). George loved Bob’ study. I loved the popcorn!
    Sending love! I wish I could be there with you to celebrate Bob’s life. My parents and I have been sharing our favorite memories of Bob.



  3. Steve Jones on April 11, 2019 at 8:27 am

    Mary, Katherine, and Sarah:

    Our family is saddened by the loss of your father. Some of my earliest childhood memories include playing outside on 22nd Terr….climbing that big tree in your backyard ! Dad always loved fishing with your father…..it was a chance to enjoy the serenity. And as time moved on, we became neighbors once again in the Indian Hills! We are thinking of you all…sharing the great memories.
    Love & Peace



  4. Tara on April 11, 2019 at 9:49 am

    I’m sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time. You have my condolences.



  5. Julia Rose-Weston on April 27, 2019 at 8:56 am

    I’m very sad to hear of the loss of your dad! I love your family. Peace and prayers to you and your family.



  6. Dr. Joel G. Verner on December 18, 2019 at 7:04 pm

    I am so sorry to learn of Bob’s passing. In 1967/69, Bob was my dissertation adviser. I took all of his classes. He was a great teacher. His knowledge of Latin America and international relations was superior. After I received my Ph.D., Bob and I served on many conference panels. My years at KU we’re wonderful due to Bob’ research, teaching and personal advice. I am Dr. Joel G. Verner and I taught Latin American classes for over 30 years at various universities.



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