Thomas Appleton

1932 - 2018

Thomas Appleton

Kaukauna - Thomas C. Appleton, age 86, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at St. Paul Villa in Kaukauna, WI. He was born January 13, 1932 in Kaukauna and grew up on the Appleton Dairy Farm. He joined the U.S. Army and served for two years in the Korean War. Later, he became a member of the American Legion, Post #258 of Little Chute. He met his wife, Flora Brouillard, while working at Zwickers Knitting Mill and they married on September 5, 1958 at Holy Cross Catholic Parish. The couple lived in rural Kaukauna their entire lives and enjoyed the simple country life. Tom was employed at Badger Northland, Inc. for 35 years until he retired, all while continuing to help out on the family farm. After retirement, they were able to travel and enjoyed seeing many places. Their favorite trips included Alaska, Branson, Niagara Falls, the western part of the U.S., and Canada. Tom and Flora enjoyed playing Sheepshead and attending Packer games with their friends. He was a big sports fan and was often found watching and cheering on the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers. He loved watching and supporting his grandchildren's sporting activities and tractor pulls. Tom would often drive around the countryside to admire the different crops and farmland. He got his exercise and fresh air picking stones on his land. Tom was a fan of the Friday Fish Fry along with a few Old Fashioneds. He had a soft heart for animals, specifically his old buddy, a black lab named Badger. Later in life, he enjoyed helping out with the little things at St. Paul, like wheeling residents to Sunday mass, driving them places to complete errands, and making people laugh with his funny comments.

Tom is survived by his children, Lori (Rick) Hedtke of Appleton, David Appleton of Kaukauna, Stephen Appleton of Kaukauna, Kim (Scott) Walbrun of Appleton, and DeAnn (Jeff) Kohlbeck of Appleton; six grandsons: Derek and Aaron Hedtke, Thomas and Jacob Appleton, Zachary and Luke Walbrun. He is further survived by his brother Daniel (Nancy) Appleton of Kaukauna, sister Elizabeth Appleton of Appleton, sister-in-law Carol Appleton of Kaukauna, brother-in-law Tom Sutliff of West Virginia, and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife Flora, his parents Chester and Elizabeth (Weiland) Appleton, his two brothers Clark and Charles Appleton, and sister Patricia Sutliff. He is further preceded in death by his wife's family: father and mother-in-law Bernard and Marie (Van Linn) Brouillard, stepmother-in-law Joy Brouillard, and sisters-in-law Mavis (Lloyd) Jansen and Shirley (Ewald) Gottschalk.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established for the Diabetes Foundation.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff at St. Paul Villa & Hospice and also Dr. Russo along with the Kaukauna Clinic for their loving care and support. Tom loved his many friends at St. Paul, it was his home and family for six years.

Dad, you were a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandpa. We love and will miss you always. We're at peace knowing your health battles are over and you can rest in peace in your heavenly home with many other loved ones. We will treasure our memories and you will forever be in our hearts, until we meet again.

SERVICES: The funeral mass will be held at 4:00 PM on Monday, October 22, 2018 at Holy Cross Catholic Parish located at 309 Desnoyer Street, Kaukauna, WI with Father Kyle Sladek officiating. Visitation for family and friends will start at 1:30 PM until time of service. Full military rites will be conducted immediately following the service. Boettcher Family Funeral Home is assisting the family (920) 766-2099 www.boettcherfamilyfuneral.com