from the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — William J. “Bill” Tyznik, 86, died May 3, 2013, from an aortic aneurysm.

Born in Milwaukee, Wis., on April 26, 1927, he grew up on the family dairy farm in Thorp. He studied in a one-room schoolhouse on the family property and graduated from Thorp High School in 1944. He attended the University of Wisconsin where he received his Bachelor’s (1948), Master’s (1949) and Ph.D. (1951) degrees in the College of Agriculture.

He joined the Ohio State University faculty in 1951 for an annual salary of $4,500. He became a full professor of Animal Science in 1959 and retired in 1992 after 41 years of service.

Teaching was his joy and his passion. Every quarter he would memorize the names of his 150 students, startling many when he called upon them in class. He was a student favorite, winning numerous teaching awards.

Dr. Tyznik was a pioneer in horse nutrition research, invented the Tizwhiz line of premium horse feeds and Frosty Paws dog treats, lectured around the world, and greeted friends and admirers every year at the Quarter Horse Congress and Equine Affaire expositions in Columbus. He was also a longtime contributor to Hoof Beats magazine.

Dr. Tyznik was an active member of the Grandview Community and Saint Christopher parish.

He is survived by Bette, his wife of 62 years; brother, Tony; children, Melissa (Clum) Hill, Lori (Paul) Speakman, Patty (Chuck) Roboski, John (Jude) and Jim; grandchildren, Heather (Shawn) Walrath, Meghan (Brendan) Noggle, Chelsi (Sean) Lemaster, Katherine, Patrick, Michael, Thomas, Colin, Chloe, Andrew Speakman, Amy Speakman, Claire Roboski, Will Roboski, Rose Roboski, Annie Roboski, John Roboski and Joe Roboski; great-grandchildren, Jack Walrath, Sam Walrath and Drew Noggle; and a multitude of nieces, nephews and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna; brother, Joe; and great-grandson, Anders Noggle.