Thomas Schiltz

Thomas Schiltz, age 91, of Appleton, passed away peacefully at Oakridge Gardens Nursing Center on January 6, 2023. Tom was born in Appleton, WI, on October 17, 1931, to the late John and Arlene (Gillick) Schiltz. Tom spent his early childhood in Kenosha, WI, living with his Uncle Lester and Aunt Julia, and his dear cousins, Denny and Kathleen. Tom proudly served his country for four years aboard the USS Salem in the United States Navy. On June 11th, 1957, he was united in marriage to Jeanette Schinke at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Appleton. The couple enjoyed 57 years together until her passing in August 2014.
Tom owned and operated Graphic Industries, Inc, for many years and also enjoyed managing several apartment complexes in his retirement. Tom will especially be remembered as the Founder of St. Joseph Food Program, with the help of Jim Asmuth and St. Joseph Catholic Church. In Tom's words: "The volunteers and staff have made St. Joe's what it is today. For me, it was the Lord guiding me to what he wanted done. So many have done so much! We must always remember that we could not function without the people who donate to this great program."
Tom made friends in every space he inhabited and could always be counted on to lend a hand at the drop of a hat. His friends and family were his priority and as a man of deep Catholic faith, he was very active for many years at St. Joseph Catholic Church and later, Sacred Heart Catholic Parish.
He is survived by his five children: Larry (Christine) Schiltz, Steve (Carol) Schiltz, Ann Turner, Kathleen Schiltz (Shannon Barrow), and his spiritually adopted son, Tim Campbell; Grandchildren: Ian Schiltz (Kari Hinrich), K Schiltz, Jeremy Schiltz (Samantha Sarabia) Hannah, Luke, and Josh Turner, and Jessie Bandt; Great Grandchildren: Tayanna and Kylo Turner, and Mila Swanson; 2 brothers: Les Schiltz and Bernie (Mary) Schiltz; and sister, Mary (Ron) Schneider. He is further survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom he adored.
He was preceded in death by his parents John and Arlene, wife Jeanette, 2 brothers: Francis and John "Pat" Schiltz, and 2 sisters: Betty Clark and Maureen Boehm.
A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 4:00 pm on Wednesday, January 11th, at Sacred Heart Parish, 222 E. Fremont St., Appleton, with Father Don Zuleger officiating. Please join Tom's family for visitation from 1:30 to 3:45 pm prior to the mass. Masking is optional and welcome per individual level of comfort. Internment will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Kaukauna. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Joseph's Food Program.
Tom's family would like to personally thank the incredible medical professionals at St. Vincent Hospital, Green Bay, Oakridge Gardens Nursing Center, Inc., Gardens of Fountain Way, especially to Cindy; Jayne Buchinger of Community Care, and Moments Hospice. In addition, the family is incredibly grateful for the friends and family who visited Tom regularly and in the hospital, while he was in hospice care, as well as those who have reached out to offer support all along the way.
Dad - your lessons, humor, faith, generosity, and legacy of helping others will live on in our family, friendships, and community forever. We could not be more proud and are so grateful for the time we had with you. Rest peacefully knowing you are deeply loved by all.