Tom Van Thiel, age 74, left peacefully to go visit his family and friends who left before him on June 1, 2025. Tom was born on September 20, 1950, to the late Roman and Evelyn (Brum) Van Thiel. He attended Kimberly High School and graduated in 1968. He was employed at Combined Locks Mill for many years. Tom married Sandy Kasten on May 8, 1970. They spent 55 years together traveling and making a lot of good memories.

Some of Tom's favorite pastimes were hunting and fishing. He especially loved his newest hobby of shore fishing in the Gulf of America in Fort Morgan, Alabama. He also liked going to the cabin on Roberts Lake, sitting on the deck and simply watching the water.

Grandpa will always be remembered by his grandchildren sitting in his big chair watching "Jeopardy", and having to be quiet for a half hour. He also liked eating his favorite cookies and shared them with his great granddaughters, Jaelynn and Gwen.

Tom is survived by his wife, Sandy; daughter, Michelle; son, Steve; grandchildren: Jordyn (fiancé Dominic) Pohlman, Benjamin Pohlman, Jr., Seth (special friend Izzy) Pohlman, Kaila Pohlman, Ronald (special friend Rachel) Pohlman, Daniel (special friend Megan) Van Thiel, and Thomas Van Thiel. Tom is further survived by his siblings: Mark (Jean) Van Thiel, David (Kathy) Van Thiel, Bob (Jolene) Van Thiel, Marsha Schanke, and Susie (Pat) Hermus; and sister-in-law, Claudia (special friend Rick) Van Thiel; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Tom is preceded by his brother, Rick Van Thiel, his sister Barb (Don) Hartjes, and brother-in-law, Roger Schanke.

Visitation for Tom will be held at O'CONNELL FUNERAL HOME (1776 E. Main Street, Little Chute) on Thursday, June 12, 2025, beginning at 4:00 p.m. and concluding at 5:45 p.m. Funeral will follow at 6:00 p.m. with the Rev. Ronald Belitz officiating. Committal St. John Cemetery.

We would like to thank the hospice staff at St. Paul Elder Home in Kaukauna, WI.

Tom was just an all-around good guy and sure will be missed by his family and friends.