Thomas A. Lietz, Kaukauna, age 51, died Tuesday January 14, 2014 at Appleton Medical Center. He was born May 18, 1962 to the late Ron and Jeanette "Babe" (Niles) Lietz. He married Stacie (Jansen) Van Handel on September 16, 2000. Tom loved the outdoors, hunting and spending time with the boys. He spent a lot of time coaching and mentoring kids of all ages and levels. Tom loved to sing and enjoyed entertaining people. His love of music and his beautiful voice will be missed by all those who knew him. One of his best traits was his sense of humor. It was Tom's goal to make Stacie smile every day. He never took himself too seriously, and was quick to make you smile with a funny face or one of his dorky jokes.

Tom is survived by his wife and best friend, Stacie; sons: Tanner, Logan and Conor; step sons: Sam (Lisa), Max, and Brady (friend Mia) Van Handel; precious granddaughter Hattie; sister: Barb (Ken) Lyons; step mother Mary Lietz; mother-in-law: Claire Jansen; brothers and sisters-in-law: Bruce (Barb) and Dave (Kathy) Jansen and Dawna (Dean) Van Handel; and pets: PorkChop and Squirt. He also leaves behind numerous step brothers, a step sister, nieces, nephews and many cherished and loving friends, each of whom held a very special place in his heart.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his younger sister, Loriann; paternal and maternal grandparents; father-in-law, David "Butch" Jansen; and step sister-in-law, Linda Velpel.
Visitation will be held Monday January 20, 2014 at O'CONNELL FUNERAL HOME (1776 E. Main St. Little Chute) beginning at 5:00 p.m. until time of Funeral at 7:00 p.m. Deacon Vincent De Groot will officiate. To sign the guest book, please visit oconnellfh.com. A memorial is being established.

I'm sure that Tom is saying, "Don't cry for me! Smile and laugh! I will always be there with you. Take care of each other, and every now and again, think of me and smile!"