E. Thomas Roocks

Erwin Thomas Roocks, age 85, of Appleton, passed away on February 15, 2026, at Oakridge Gardens Nursing Center, Menasha. He was born on April 2, 1940, in Appleton, WI, son to the late Erwin and Ruth (Lemke) Roocks. He was the second of four children. He graduated from Menasha High School in 1958. Tom worked at the Banta Corporation Midway Publishing Plant for 42 years as an offset platemaker.

Tom married his first wife, Mary Sipple, in 1960, and had two beautiful children, Ann and Paul. Tom was united in marriage to LaVerne B. Mech on March 4, 1972, and gained two more children to their family. Tom and LaVerne had a wonderful life together. They loved traveling, especially to Florida for the warm weather and fishing with Harry. Tom also had many wonderful memories of fishing with his dad and brother David at the family cottage and around the Appleton area. He enjoyed playing cards, particularly sheepshead. LaVerne and him spent many hours playing cribbage together as well. He loved gardening, and his thumb was exceptionally green. His roses were gorgeous, his lawn was perfect, and his vegetable and fruit plants were overflowing with produce. He was generous with the surplus sending you home with tomatoes, cucumbers, rhubarb, pears, and flowers. He enjoyed refinishing furniture and refinished several pieces for himself and LaVerne, family and friends. He loved watching the Packers and Brewers games. He also spent many hours listening to baseball games in the garage while watching over the neighborhood. Many neighbors knew him from seeing him outside all the time and missed him dearly once he was no longer living at his home.

Tom is survived by his children Ann (William) Joosten, Paul Roocks, Laurie (Harry) Muller, Rod (Wende) Gehrt; three grandchildren: Eric (Roxy) Joosten, Mike (Meagan Beavers) Gehrt, Matt Gehrt; four great grandchildren: Olivia, Sophia, Monte, and Audrey; sister Gretchen (Michael) Mish; sisters-in-law: Sally Roocks, Lois Borchardt, Sandra Mech, Susan Carlson; and many nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife LaVerne on January 20, 2026, sister Marilyn (Daniel) Lehrer, brother David Roocks, brother-in-law James (Darlene) Mech, and sister-in-law Jean (Roy) Gruetzmacher.

At Tom’s request, there will be no immediate services. His family will celebrate him privately. In Tom’s memory, please spend some time outside and smell the roses.

Tom’s family extends its gratitude to the nurses and staff at Oakridge Gardens as well as to Bristol Hospice for the wonderful care and love provided both to Tom and to us. We would like to say a special thank you to following people: Jenna, Kacey, and Tara from Bristol Hospice; and the following staff from Oakridge Gardens: Barb from housekeeping, Steffy (Stephanie), Kim, Riley, Jean B., Savannah, Hailey, Jasmine, Susan, Nicole, Martha, Barb G., and especially Vee (Victoria). You made him feel loved and safe. He adored all of you. Thank you! And whenever you see a popsicle, may it make you smile.