Thomas J. Verhagen, 84, Kaukauna, passed away with his family by his side on Thursday, July 31, 2025.  He was born on July 28, 1941, the son of John (Jack) and Marie (Manning) Verhagen. He attended St. John Grade School and High School in Little Chute.  Tom was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during the Vietnam Era, specifically activated in 1961 for the Berlin Crisis.  He was a member of the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258, the Wisconsin Law Enforcement Association, and the Little Chute Optimist Club.   Tom served with the Little Chute Police Department for nearly 25 years, retiring as Captain in charge of Investigations. He married his grade school sweetheart, Claire (Bongers), on September 12, 1962.  Together, with their children, they enjoyed many years on Pickerel Lake, fishing, throwing horseshoes, and playing dice.  They also enjoyed many Thursday nights at WIR for the races and several winter trips to Cape Coral, Florida. Later years found them spending summers up on Legend Lake with their kids and grandkids. After Tom's retirement, he could be found working in his workshop daily.  He created countless wood projects over the years.  To name a few, there were birdhouses, squirrel feeders, personalized jewelry hangers, crosses, and cute Easter bunnies for the great grandkids.  While we know he thoroughly enjoyed making these projects, his greatest joy was giving them to their intended recipients and seeing the joy on their faces! Tom deeply loved his family but had an extra soft spot for all the little ones.  They always brought a smile to his face, especially in his final days.

Tom is survived by his children:  Tim (Amy) Verhagen and Connie (Bill) Wittmann; his six grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren:  Melissa Lucas, Leonardo and Apollo Wittman, Gerrit (Davina) and Luna Verhagen, Krystine (Drew), Aurora and Haisley Lindemann, Scott (Katie), Wells, Liza, and Mara Wittmann, Claire (Josh), Jade and Levi Urness, Jordan (Charlie), Sutton, Roman, and Cameron Albers.  He is further survived by his in-laws, Tom (Mary) Bongers, Cindy (Greg) Mathe, Patti Bongers-DeGroot, and Rose Verhagen; Godchildren:  Allison Geiger, Brenda Krause, and Cheryl Verhagen; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and numerous other relatives and friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Claire; parents, Jack and Marie Verhagen; brothers:  Bill (Eileen) and Jerry Verhagen; sister, Bonnie (Art) Van Asten; sisters-in-law:  Mary Jane Bongers, Grace (Gene) Vander Velden; and brother-in-law, Dave Bongers.

Visitation for Tom will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (411 Vandenbroek Street, Little Chute) beginning at 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m.  His Funeral Mass will follow at 12:00 p.m. with the Rev. Ronald Belitz officiating.  Military Honors will be conducted by the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258.  To sign the guest book, please visit oconnellfh.com.

Special thanks to Dr. Charles Miller and Dr. Conkright for their care over the years and to Compassus Hospice, especially Traci, with whom Dad felt a peaceful connection.