Thomas A. Van Elzen

Thomas A. Van Elzen, 92, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025. He was born on March 9, 1933, to his parents John and Angela (Williamsen) Van Elzen.

He was born in Appleton and raised in Kimberly. He graduated from Kimberly High School. Shortly after, he joined the United States Army. After boot camp, he was deployed to Germany. While in Europe, he met the love of his life Yvonne Walter. They got married July 11, 1955, in France. Together they had 4 children.

Thomas proudly served his community as a volunteer firefighter for 24 years, including one year as captain and 9 years as secretary/treasurer. For 19 years, he dedicated himself to St. Joes Food Pantry, ensuring those in need had access to meals and support. His faith and service were further demonstrated through his 10+ years volunteering for St. Vincent de Paul. Thomas was a regular blood donor, contributing 15 gallons to a local blood bank over many years. He shared his love of gardening by growing flowers and vegetables. He “grew a row” for St. Joes yearly and was known for selling raspberries for over 20 years, bringing joy to his community through his green thumb. In his "spare time", Tom and Yvonne loved to travel and visited 38 countries, along with the majority of United States. 

Thomas was a rockhound for 60+ years and served as Secretary/Treasurer for the Wisconsin Rock and Mineral Club for 10 of those years. He shared his passion for jewelry making and rock collecting as well as his unique style of creations with his family and friends.

For over 30 years, the adult children and their parents would go on a big fishing trip every May.

Thomas was fiercely proud of his grandchildren. He worked hard his whole life with a solid work ethic and was happy to see that continue on in his grandchildren.

Thomas is survived by his children: Michelle (John) Schulz, Jackie (Rick) Schmidt, and daughter-in-law Nori Van Elzen; grandchildren: Yvette (Sean) Tobin, Stephanie (Todd) Killingsworth, Patrick (Breanna) Schmidt, Nathan (Kate Manderfield) Schmidt and her son Emir, and Lance Van Elzen; great grandchildren: Lauren, Isabella, Cole, John, Thomas, Gabriella, Walker, Collins; siblings: Donald Van Elzen, William Van Elzen, Donna Simon; with many extended family members and beloved friends.

Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, wife Yvonne, sons Mark and Patrick Van Elzen, siblings: Roger Van Elzen, Dolores Koller, Richard Van Elzen, Robert Van Elzen; and other extended family members and many friends.

There will be a time to celebrate Tom on August 22, 2025, at Wichmann Tri-County Chapel at 1592 S Oneida St. Menasha WI 54592. Visitation will be from 3-5pm with the funeral starting at 5.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. Joes Food Pantry, your local volunteer fire department, and St. Vincent de Paul Society.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Prairie Homes and Lakeland Care Hospice for the incredible care he received.