Nicholas H. Dercks

Formerly of 1415 N. Morrison Street, age 97 ½, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, December 25, 2008 at his home at the Renaissance in Appleton. Nick was born in Little Chute on July 12, 1911, son of the late Henry and Nettie (Reynders) Dercks. He was called to serve his country in the European Theatre during World War II. As a member of the United States Army, he served from April 1942 until October 1945, and was a sixty-two year member of the American Legion Post #258 in Little Chute. After the war, he returned to his position with Wisconsin Wire Works (Asten Johnson) where he was a member of the 25-Year Club. At the wire works, Nick worked as a wire weaver and eventually retired after forty-six years of service. Nick married the former Ceil Baumann on October 27, 1948 and the couple resided in Appleton and were members of St. Therese Catholic Church. They were married for forty-five years.

Nick was a great husband, father, and grandfather. He was very talented at woodworking, building, and fixing just about everything. He was known as “Mr. Fix It” to his relatives, friends, and neighbors, and was always ready to lend a helping hand. He also had a green thumb, which his beautiful yard reflected. He and mom enjoyed traveling the country in their retirement years. Nick was a very kind man to all, putting his God first, family second, and his own needs last. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Nick is survived by two daughters: Jo Ann Dercks of Appleton and Mary Ann (Daniel) Steinfeldt of Almond; two grandchildren: Robert Steinfeldt and Lee Ann Steinfeldt; a brother: Joe Dercks of Menominie, Wisconsin; two sisters: Jerry Truyman of Appleton and Mary Jane Hartjes of Middleton; two sisters-in-law: Mary Paltzer and and Jane Baumann, both of Grand Chute; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, neighbors, and his special friends Amy and Sara. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Robert, Thomas, and James; sisters Bernice (Gordon) Kray and Barbara (Dick) DeCoster; brothers-in-law: Ben Truyman, Robert Paltzer, and Robert Baumann; and several brothers and sister-inlaw.

The Funeral Liturgy for Nick will be held at 3:30 PM on Sunday, December 28, 2008 at ST. THERESE CATHOLIC CHURCH, Morrison Street at Wisconsin Avenue in Appleton, with Fr. Bill Hoffman officiating. Military honors will be provided by the members of American Legion Post #258 of Little Chute. Entombment will be in Highland Memorial Park. Friends may call directly at the church on Sunday afternoon from 2:00 PM until the time of the service.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff and the Renaissance who had really become Nick's family over the past years. You created a very comfortable place for Dad to call home, and we will never forget your kindness, compassion, and love for our father. Thank you so much.

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