Harold J. Trudeau

Harold J. Trudeau, age 82, passed away at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King on January 7, 2025. Harold was born in Green Bay on September 22, 1942, son of the late Edward and Irene (Haack) Trudeau. Following high school, he entered the United States Army, and was later discharged with the rank of Specialist 4. In 1965, he married Kristie Lou Louison, and together raised a family of seven sons.

Harold spent his civilian career as a commercial and industrial painter, most recently with Omni Glass & Paint until retirement. He took pride in his work always pointing it out wherever he went - including Lambeau Field, where he would BS with Ray Nitschke in the locker room. Harold made friends wherever he went including all the local supper clubs and bars where he'd play cards and chew the fat with anyone who'd give him a minute that turned to hours. He loved to talk and tell stories, and anyone will tell you he was the best BSer ever. His sons were often recognized as Harold's sons and then got to hear the many stories he had been telling. 

Summers were filled with fishing, family parties, trips to the Red Mill, and sleepovers with grandkids who enjoyed his best French toast breakfasts. You never knew when he'd pull into your driveway with a big ol’ kettle of his famous soup and we'd always drop dinner plans to enjoy his unexpected gift.

Harold found his prize 1965 Oldsmobile 442 right out of the military in the summer of ‘65. While cruising downtown Little Chute he picked up the prize of his life at the stop lights and held onto her for 56 years. Harold and Kris enjoyed buggy rides and vacations, but most of all, family gatherings.

Harold is survived by five sons: Harold (Sue) Trudeau, Jr., Steve (Randi) Trudeau, Jamie Trudeau, Adam (Sara) Trudeau, and Ty (Christine) Trudeau; a daughter-in-law: Shawn Trudeau; eighteen grandchildren: Gerald, Rosalie, Lily, Ian, Ivy, Tyler, Morgan, Shelby, Tucker, Carleigh, Cole, Tim, Nick, Kody, Riley, Jaden, Gunner, and Wyatt; twelve great-grandchildren; a brother Herman “Speed” (Barb) Trudeau, and a sister-in-law Maxine Trudeau.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Kristie Lou in 2022, sons Gerald and Troy, brothers Ed Trudeau, Tony (Maxine) Trudeau, and Richard Trudeau; and sisters Bonnie Van Gompel and Beverly Sibala.

A funeral service for Harold will be held at 4:00 PM on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Wichmann Funeral Home, located at 537 N. Superior Street in Appleton. Full military honors will follow the service. Visitation will begin on Friday, January 17, at 2:00 PM at the funeral home and concluding with the service at 4:00 PM.

The family would like to thank everyone at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in King as well as the staff of ThedaCare At Home Hospice for their amazing care. And we'd also like to thank the many people dad has met over the last couple of years at Highland Memorial while visiting mom many times a day – they befriended him and enjoyed his stories while we were all at work!