Thomas Drootsan, Kaukauna, age 85, entered eternal life on Wednesday, December 28, 2022. Tom was born in Milwaukee to the late James and Minnie (Anderson) Drootsan on August 25, 1937. After serving his country in the United States Air Force, Tom continued his career in police science, being Sheriff of Outagamie County. He married the love of his life, Michele Boltz, in Howard on June 1, 2013. Tom enjoyed fishing on Pelican Lake and was a fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers. He was a member of the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258, as well as President of the Sheriff Association.

Tom is survived by his wife, Michele; his children: Renee (Melvin) Wills and Robin (Paul) Verbeten; Michele's children: Sally Boltz, and David (Jennifer) Boltz; his grandchildren: Thomas (Amber) Mayo, Steven (Michelle) Mayo, Braden Wills, Kristin (Zack) Fox, Rebecca Rausch, Katlyn Rausch, and Taryn (Cody) McMenamy; and his great grandchildren: Kendra, Jordan, Brandon, Xavier, Zander, Everleigh, Kaison, and Adalia. Tom is further survived by his siblings-in-law: Nancy Drootsan, Andrea (Rich) Teets, Denise (David) Barnes, Lisa Wagner, Michael Wagner, and Jack (Johanna) Jones; special nephew, James Drootsan; the mother of his children, Audrey Turowski; and nieces and nephews who Tom always held dear to his heart: Linda, Robin (John), Anthony (Ellen) Groh, Karen (Paul) Groh-Swain, Paul (Donna) Groh, Ingrid (Chuck) Elhridge, Eric (Sherry) Groh, and Neil Laugman; along with other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, James and Minnie, Tom is preceded in death by his former parents-in-law, Lawrence and Hazel Turowski; his son, Gordon Drootsan; his siblings: Mary Remington, Evelyn (Justin) Laugman, Angela (Rick) Groh, and William Drootsan; a nephew, Bill Drootsan; Michele's parents, Clem and Jean Wagner; and his sister-in-law, Corinne Jones.

A special thank you to the 8th floor nursing staff and Thedacare Hospice, Jennifer RN, for their compassion and care.

Visitation for Tom will be held January 11, 2023, at O'CONNELL FUNERAL HOME (1776 E. Main Street, Little Chute) beginning at 4:00 p.m. until time of memorial at 6:00 p.m. with Pastor Michael Gehl officiating. Military Honors, conducted by the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258, will follow.

Donations can be made to FVTC Foundation in memory of Tom Drootsan at www.fvtc.edu/donate or mailed to FVTC Foundation, PO Box 2277, Appleton, WI 54912-2277. These donations will be directed to the FVTC Law Academy Scholarship to benefit students pursuing their law enforcement certification at FVTC.