Thomas Joseph "Tom" Arps

Appleton – Thomas J. “Tom” Arps, 70, passed away peacefully in his home from a short illness on Thursday, September 3, 2020, with his wife and son at his side. He was born on May 13, 1950, in Appleton, the son of Melvin and Anita (Schwallenberg) Arps. Tom graduated from Fox Valley Lutheran High School, the Class of 1968, and went on to further his education at Fox Valley Technical College, receiving an Associate Degree in Business. He worked at US Oil for 23 years as a sales representative and then went on to work at Payless Tire and Exhaust in Ripon, as a sales manager for 19 years before retiring in 2014. Tom enjoyed golfing, camping, and the outdoors; especially his and Bonnie’s summer camping trips with friends. He looked forward to the opening of deer hunting with his son and their annual week long fishing trip in Canada. The last couple of years, Tom looked forward to wintering in Florida at the condo with family and friends. Tom enjoyed watching a good Packer and Brewer game – especially together with friends. He enjoyed his weekly night out playing cribbage with his buddies.  He was a fun-loving person who will be missed by all. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Appleton, and a former leader of his son’s Lutheran Boy Pioneer group.

Tom is survived by his wife of almost 31 years: Bonnie (Kohl) Arps; son: Jeff (Tanya) Arps; grandson: Corban Arps; a brother: Don (Sandie) Arps; a sister-in-law: Debbie (Chuck) Witt; nephews: Michael (Jennifer) Arps (children: Elise, Evan and Nora) and Nickolas Arps; nieces: Lori (Dan) Osero (children: Avrianna and Danny) and Brenda Dedering (children: Whitney (Dylan) Griffin, and Tyler); and his lap buddy: Charlie the cat.

In addition to his parents; Tom was further preceded in death by his step-father: David Six; mother- and father-in-law: James and Beverly Kohl; and his beloved pets: Buffy and Sunny.

The private family funeral services for Tom will be Livestreamed on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at 4:00 pm, via his obituary page at www.wichmannfuneralhomes.com. The public visitation for Tom will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at the Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St., Appleton. In lieu of flowers, a memor.ial fund will be established.

Tom’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all his family and friends for all their love and support and all of the caregivers with ThedaCare at Home and Hospice for their care, compassion, and kindness