Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.” —Marshall Cohen, CNN
Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association
WITRY, Tom
WITRY, Tom. (Waterloo, IA, Oct. 12, 2026--Dubuque, IA, Oct. 12, 2025) On April 29, 2019 organizers and city officials gathered for the groundbreaking. The MIRACLE LEAGUE OF DUBUQUE president Merle Santjer credited Tom Witry, baseball coach at STEPHEN HEMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL with providing the inspiration for the project. (1)
Tom was the son of Harold and Lucille (Conry) Witry. After graduating from Hudson (Iowa) High School, he received his bachelor’s degree from Mankato State, later receiving his master’s degree from the University of Dubuque. He served in the US Army from 1968 to 1970. On June 12, 1971, he married Carol Friday at St. Martin Catholic Church, Odebolt, Iowa.
Tom spent his career as a teacher and coach at JEFFERSON JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL and STEPHEN HEMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL, among other schools. Tom affected the lives of countless students and athletes inside and outside the classroom. Tom encouraged relationships, inclusion, dedication, and teamwork, and viewed sports as a way to build character. Tom’s love of baseball and affection for people with disabilities led him co-found the Miracle League of Dubuque, an all-inclusive baseball field and playground.
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Source:
1. Fisher, Benjamin, "Baseball for All," Telegraph Herald, April 30, 2019, p. 1
2. Obituaries, "Dubuque Today"