Paul Lawrence De Bruin

Paul passed away peacefully at home on June 9, 2024.   

 Paul attended St. Therese elementary school, was a graduate of Appleton High School, UW-Oshkosh and proudly served in the US Army.  He was a loving husband to Marcie (Charrier) De Bruin for nearly 60 years. His daughters, Becky (Jeff) Thiel and Rachel (Randy) Pope, were blessed with his love and determination, and carry on his legacy of being able to do anything they put their minds to, which they learned from their dad. 

 Paul was a devoted grandfather attending concerts, recitals, and more ball games than you could count.  His grandchildren include Amanda (Cole) Demeny, Jacob Thiel, Nicole Thiel, Michael Pope and Kaitlyn Pope.  He has three step-grandchildren, Jennifer (Jeff) Ott, Corrine (Justin) Lang, and Mitch Pope, five step-great grandchildren, and many special nieces and nephews. Paul is survived by one sister, Delores Ruedinger.   

 Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Veronica (Dresang) and Peter De Bruin, siblings Connie Markos, Harold, Henry, and Theresa De Bruin, and brother-in-law Paul Ruedinger.  Also, in-laws Victor and Leona Charrier, Jack and Ann Ellis, Bob and Lorraine Haddock, and Darlene and Roy Hanson.  

 In his words, Paul was interested in everything and although there wasn’t enough time to do it all, he tried.  He liked to fix, create, and build things, including four homes for his family. He was a good friend of Bill W. for 43 years.    

 Paul’s final mass will take place at St Joseph Catholic Church, Appleton Wisconsin on  
Friday, June 14, 2024.  Visitation will be from 9:00 am until the funeral mass at 10:30 am. Military rites to follow. 

In lieu of flowers Paul’s family requests that memorial contributions be made to the charity of your choice. 

It’s still a wonderful day in the neighborhood, Dad, but you’ll be greatly missed. We love you!