Thomas M. Gritt

Thomas Michael Gritt

Appleton, WI—On October 13, 2024, Thomas Michael Gritt was welcomed into the light at the age of 83. Thomas, known as Thom, passed at Meadowbrook in Appleton, WI surrounded by the love of family and friends. Born on August 2, 1941 in Indianapolis, Indiana, Thom was the son of Arthur and Zelpha (Clements) Gritt. Thom moved with his parents and siblings to Black Creek, WI at the age of 5 and was raised on his family’s farm. Thom went to Seymour High School, served in the United States Army, and went on to work at Thilmany Papers in Kaukauna, WI as a supervising mechanical engineer until retirement.

Thom will always be remembered for his kindness and playful mischief, someone who was able to bring smiles to everyone around him with his amusing banter and ultimate dad jokes. He was a lover of cats, science fiction stories, and anything mechanical and technical. He could get your car started, replace your brakes, and was fond of fixing up old bikes to give to the neighborhood children. Thom brought joy and comfort to so many people and was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and friend.

Thom was married to Caroyln (Gritt) Welhouse (divorced) and they had three daughters, Sabrina Aery, Nancy Gritt, and Jennifer Gritt. Thom then married Suanne (Natchwey) Gritt of Black Creek, WI, his wife of 45 years. He is preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Zelpha; brothers Joseph, William, George, and Robert; and sisters Mary Lashbrook and Joan Wagner. He is survived by his wife Suanne; brother David; sister Regina O’Hara; and daughters Sabrina, Nancy, and Jennifer.

The family expresses the deepest thanks to the staff and care team at Meadowbrook at Appleton and Bristol Hospice Care as well as the caring staff at Appleton Retirement Community.

A Memorial/Celebration of Life will be taking place on October 26, 2024 starting at 11am at Wichmann Funeral Home in Appleton, WI. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to make a donation in honor of Thomas Gritt to Saving Paws Animal Rescue (savingpaws.com) in Appleton, WI.