Timothy Lee Crowe

Timothy “Tim” Lee Crowe, age 84, passed away at his home in Appleton, Wisconsin, on November 3, 2025. Born December 7, 1940, in Appleton, to Henry (1908–1981) and Marie Hannes Crowe (1911–1997), Tim lived a life overflowing with curiosity, generosity, and joy.

A proud graduate of UW–Oshkosh, Tim earned his degree in teaching and later completed his Master’s. He shared his love of language and learning as an English and Speech teacher, and mentored countless students as a basketball and a golf coach. As a forensics coach, Tim delighted in doing things his own way, blending wit, wisdom, and just the right amount of rebellion. With patience, creativity, and humor, he brought out the best in everyone around him.

Tim’s career was as colorful as his personality. Over the years, he was an auctioneer, antique shop owner in Sturgeon Bay, real estate broker, and house flipper long before it became trendy. As a landlord, he was admired for his fairness and generosity, always finding ways to help tenants and earn their respect.

Tim’s family was at the heart of his life. He is survived by his daughter, Daphne (Jason) Benbenek and his cherished grandson, Trein. Tim’s siblings include his sister Karen (David) Schallhorn and brother Michael. He was preceded in death by his brothers Gerard (Amy) and Pat (Esther). His nieces and nephews, and even great nieces and nephews, adored their Uncle Tim.

Friends and family remember Tim for his quick wit, unique laugh, and the generosity he carried in everything he did. He was never without a stack of two-dollar bills or sometimes a pocket full of Susan B. Anthony coins, which he generously shared with waitstaff, young family members, and even trick-or-treaters. And if you spent time with him, you may have experienced a spontaneous “pop quiz”—like spelling the word vacuum—always delivered with a twinkle in his eye.

Tim’s passions extended far beyond family. He was an avid golfer, a skilled Bridge player, and a proud Toastmasters member, often winning trophies for his public speaking. He hosted a local singles group, bringing people together with warmth and enthusiasm. He loved classical music, reading a good book, and could never turn down a sweet treat. After retirement, Winters found Tim in Florida, enjoying golf and sunshine, and he even traveled abroad to places like the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Mexico, where he energetically twirled the local ladies on the dance floor, never hesitating to embrace life fully.

A memorial service will be held at 4PM, on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St., Appleton. Visitation will be on Friday at the funeral home from 2PM until the time of the service.

Tim was a generous, kind, and endlessly creative man who made people feel seen, valued, and loved. He danced through life—literally and figuratively—to the beat of his own drum, and the world is brighter for having known him.