Thomas "TC" Van Gompel, Kimberly, age 76, died Saturday, November 11, 2017 surrounded by his family. He was born in Kaukauna on August 25, 1941 to the late Henry and Harriet (Van Dalen) Van Gompel. TC married Elaine Jansen on November 26, 1960 at Holy Cross Parish in Kaukauna, where he was a lifelong member. He worked at Pierce Manufacturing for 35 years, retiring as the Director of Manufacturing in 1994. His motto was, "I only hire good people because they make me look good." He was a diehard Packer fan and loved cook outs and spending time at the Casino. TC was very mechanical, enjoyed rebuilding cars and remodeling projects. His family often referred to him as "McGyver." His favorite holiday was Christmas and he went all out, decorating his house with 25,000 lights. TC also loved country music and dancing. He lived for his family and loved to spend time with them.

TC is survived by his wife of almost 57 years, Elaine; his son, Scott (Sue) Van Gompel of Appleton; daughters: Pam (Tom) DeBruin of Little Chute and Lisa (Daryl) Klink of Darboy; grandchildren: Adam Van Gompel, Leah (Jordan) Timm, Amanda (Fred) Thurston, Zachary Van Gompel, Gabrielle (Bryce Laluzerne) Van Gompel, Emma Van Gompel, Eli Thomas Van Gompel, Michael Thomas (fiancée Amanda Carey) DeBruin, Kayla (Ross) Wells, Brooke (Jon) Giordana, Brianna (fiancé Adam Lemke) Klink and David Thomas Klink; great grandchildren: James Thomas, Ayden, Henry, Harper, Ethan, Charlie, Mason Thomas, Aubrey, Rhett, Knox Thomas and, Gracie Jo; brothers: Roger (Helen) and Daniel (Elaine) Van Gompel; sisters: Virginia (Bob) Gossen and Diane (Tom) Wilkerson; and sister-in-law, Shirley (Gary) Bley. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, TC was preceded in death by his son, Kevin Thomas Van Gompel; father and mother-in-law, Irving and Dorothy Jansen; and brother-in-law, Howie Jansen.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at HOLY CROSS PARISH (301 Desnoyer St. Kaukauna) beginning at 2:00 p.m. until time of Mass at 4:00 p.m. The Rev. Msgr. James Vanden Hogen will officiate and Deacon Bruce Corey will assist. Committal Holy Cross Cemetery. To sign the guest book, please visit oconnellfh.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.

TC's family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Michael Werner and the staff at the Kaukauna Clinic. They would also like to thank his angels at Care Partners, Charlene, Apryl, Sadie, Tiffany, Ashley, Erin and Jen.

My beloved T.C., thank you my love for being the best husband any woman could have been blessed with. I love you and will miss you. Rest in peace honey. Your babe forever. Give Kevin a hug for me. Elaine

You are our hero Dad.  You taught us so much in life, most of all how to love with all of our hearts.  Dance with the angels and hold our brother Kevin tight.   We love you so much!  Scott, Pam and Lisa