Hank DeBruin

Henry (Hank) DeBruin passed away peacefully on October 14th, 2010 at Appleton Medical Center at age 73. Hank was very active and still physically strong, but his heart decided it was time. He lived his life as an outdoorsman, and recently recalled his fond memories as a young boy fishing in the flats area of Appleton along the Fox River. After serving in the Marine Corps from 1954 to 1957, Hank later was married twice and had 5 children, by which he is survived by 3 sons John (Jennifer) DeBruin, George (Lisa) DeBruin, and Delvin DeBruin, grandchildren and great grandchildren, brother and sister.

Hank was a unique individual with many interests and activities. He was an experienced cement finisher and worked many large construction projects, including travels as far as Saudi Arabia for such. He was also an experienced scuba diver and welder, for which he also performed many dangerous tasks.

Outside of work, Hank lived for the outdoors and resided most of his years at various wooded lands just outside the Fox Valley. He loved hunting and fishing and being close to nature. He built or restored many houses, with projects ongoing through his final days. Hank loved sailing, and once built a 50' sailboat from scratch, afterwards sailing the Gulf of Mexico for 6 years fishing for shark and grouper. He loved the quest for lost and buried treasure, and held mineral rights in New Mexico that he still hoped to visit and search for gold. In 1980 he built a 2-person submarine by his own hands to explore deeper depths where sunken ships or treasure lie yet unexplored. He appreciated art and antiques, and would dive in local rivers collecting old bottles. Hank also had a passion for history and culture, especially in regard to Egyptian, Native and American history. Hank's lifelong collection included found arrow heads, natural minerals, meteor fragments, and rings and coins found while searching with his metal detectors. Hank will forever be remembered and loved by those close to him.

Visitation will be 11:00am to 1:00pm on Tuesday October 19th, 2010 at Wichmann Funeral Home, with interment at Riverside Cemetery to follow.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231