Thomas Langenhuizen

Thomas Lee Langenhuizen was born October 2, 1946, to George and IlaMae (Friebel) Langenhuizen, and passed away on April 7th, 2025. Tom was a proud graduate of Kimberly High School, Class of 1965.

Tom honorably served his country in the U.S. Army, enlisting on January 9, 1966, during the Vietnam conflict. He was stationed in Schweinfurt, Germany, with the 39th Artillery Division and was honorably discharged on December 21, 1968. A true patriot, Tom was immensely proud of his military service and cherished the opportunity to participate in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., in 2019 alongside his brother-in-law, Dennis Hooyman.

Following his military service, Tom dedicated many years to Kimberly Clark at the Kimberly Mill until his retirement in December 2001. He then worked for School Specialty until 2015.

On June 20, 1969, Tom married the love of his life, Jean Vandenberg. Together they built a beautiful life in Kimberly, Wisconsin, raising their daughter, Karyn Jane Rittenhouse. Tom found immense joy in being a grandfather to his beloved “very favorite granddaughter,” Morgan Paige Rittenhouse.

Tom had a passion for woodworking and was a talented instructor, generously sharing his skills with family members and contributing to numerous carpentry and remodeling projects. His commitment to service extended beyond his family; Tom was a lifelong, dedicated member of Holy Name/Holy Spirit Parish in Kimberly. He served as a trustee, later joining the Buildings and Grounds Committee, and dedicated over 50 years as an usher.

Tom also volunteered with the Kimberly Fire Department for over 34 years, serving six of those years as Chief. His dedication to community service continued through Rebuilding Together, where he shared his talents on various projects benefiting schools, private individuals, and organizations like Pillars and St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Karyn (Rick) Rittenhouse; and granddaughter, Morgan Paige Rittenhouse. He is further survived by his siblings: Ron (Dee) Langenhuizen, Mark (LuAnn) Langenhuizen, Jane (Victor) Werner, and Lori (Jim) Van Dyke. He also leaves behind many in-laws: Nancy Vandenberg, Ron (Ann) Vandenberg, Tom (Ann) Vandenberg, Beth (Frank) Sprangers, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and IlaMae Langenhuizen; his dear wife Jean, his brother, Lyle Langenhuizen; sister, Nancy Langenhuizen; nephew, Tim Langenhuizen; his parents-in-law, Gordon and Lucille Vandenberg; sister-in-law, Jane (Dennis) Hooyman and brothers-in-law, John (Nancy) Vandenberg & Dennis (Jane) Hooyman.

The funeral liturgy for Tom will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Holy Spirit Parish, located at 600 E. Kimberly Avenue. Fr. Carl Schmitt will preside, and Fire Fighters’ Final Call ceremony will follow the mass. Burial with full military honors will then take place in the parish cemetery. Visitation will take place on Saturday morning, May 10, from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.