Thomas Reuss

Thomas Reuss, 85, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025, at his home in Neenah, Wisconsin, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 30, 1939, in Appleton, WI to Philip and Virginia (Gonnering) Reuss.

Tom was a proud graduate of Neenah High School, Class of 1957, and continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning a bachelor’s degree. He was an active member of his high school reunion group, maintained an enduring connection to his roots throughout the course of his life. Tom proudly served in the Air Force from 1962 to 1966 and had the opportunity to participate in an Honor Flight for his time in the service in 2022. Tom dedicated 30 years of his career to Wisconsin Tissue Mills, which later became Essity. He served as the shift supervisor and superintendent in the maintenance department from 1968 until his retirement in 1998.

Tom loved watching Wisconsin sports teams (Go Badgers, Packers and Brewers!) and enjoyed playing golf and card games like Sheepshead and cribbage. Time spent at the family cottage in Mountain, WI brought him great joy and countless memories were forged with family and friends. His love for his family was profound; he was not only a devoted husband to his wife Joan for 58 beautiful years but also a source of strength and encouragement to everyone he met. His loyalty and outgoing nature endeared him to many, and he was always ready to lend a helping hand or share a laugh. Tom’s faith was an integral part of his life and he was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Appleton. He volunteered at St. Joseph's food pantry for over 25 years and actively participated in perpetual adoration in Neenah. Tom lived a life rich with laughter, generosity, and unwavering commitment to those he cared for.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joan, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and partnership; his children Chris Reuss and Kathie Reuss; his grandchildren Hannah (Michael) Stoeger, Claire (Andrew) Coenen, August Warren, Asha Warren, Em Warren; and beloved great-grandson Leo Stoeger. Tom is further survived by siblings Dolly Meyer and John (Molly) Reuss and sister-in-law Sue Reuss as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and close friends. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, brother Mark Reuss and daughter-in-law Theresa Reuss.

The Reuss family invites all who knew and loved Tom to honor his memory during the visitation at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Appleton, on March 27, 2025, from 9:00 am until the time of funeral mass at 10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Tom’s memory to St. Joseph Food Pantry, the Jesuit Retreat House in Oshkosh or Mt. Tabor Retreat Center in Menasha.

The family would like to thank the in-home nursing staff of Moments Hospice as well as extend a special thank you to the overnight caregivers of Senior Stride for their attentive and compassionate care of Tom.