Willard G. Van Gompel

Willard George Van Gompel “Wild Bill”, age 86 of Appleton, WI passed away unexpectedly on June 2, 2026. He was born to late Willard and Florence (Arnoldussen) Van Gompel on April 6, 1940 in Mackville, WI. Bill graduated from Appleton West High School with the class of ’58 and enlisted in the Navy, serving in the Korean Conflict and earning his rank as a Seaman 3rd class. After his honorable discharge, he worked at Thilmany Paper in the lab as a technician, serving for almost 30 years before his retirement in 1993. In November of 1963, he married Dolores Heigl and, while it didn’t work out between them, they raised 3 wonderful daughters.

Bill was a man of many talents and hobbies, but had a particular affinity for outdoor activities. He was a member of the Sly Fox Ski Club and enjoyed both downhill skiing and water skiing. Bill especially loved going to his cabin on Shawano Lake with family and friends, boating and all activities that involved “fun in the sun”. When he was younger, he spent a good amount of his free time perfecting his bowling game and going to the casino. Bill was quite the card player and was quite skillful at cribbage. He was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose. More than anything, though, Bill loved his family and cherished every moment he could spend with his daughters, grandkids, and great-grandkids.

Bill will be deeply missed by his daughters, Julie (Anthony) Combs, Jennifer (Jeffrey) Schultz, Katie (Michael) Tobin; his grandchildren, Crystal (Dylan) Sommerfeld, Amber (Lucas) Peppler, Joseph VanPay, and Tyler Tobin; his great-grandkids, Ellison, Nora, and Olivia; as well as many other extended relatives and dear friends.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents; and his grandson, William VanPay III.

A funeral visitation will be held for Bill from 4:00 – 5:30 PM on Friday, June 12, 2026 at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a funeral service to follow at 5:30 PM. Bill will be laid to rest at Highland Memorial Park in Appleton, WI. In lieu of flowers, raise a glass to Bill.

“If you ain’t Dutch, you ain’t much!” - Bill