Thomas Glen Vandehey

Thomas Glen Vandehey, 86, passed away on June 8, 2024 with his beloved wife Jean at his side. Tom was born in Kimberly on April 29, 1938 to Herman and Ethel (Verhagen) Vandehey.

After graduating from Kimberly High School, Tom began his work at Kimberly Mill navigating roles in the laboratory, delivery and warehousing before retiring as a production planner after a career that spanned over 47 years. Tom married the love of his life, Jeanette Hurst, on May 26, 1958 at St. John Church in Little Chute. They subsequently became parishioners at Holy Spirit Parish, where Tom also served as an usher for over 25 years. He assumed leadership roles as President of the Catholic Knights Branch 294 for 12 years and Vice President for 8 years and spearheaded countless initiatives as a former President of the Kimberly Recreation Association.

Tom had a true commitment to his community and his leadership touched many lives. He spent 15 years umpiring softball, officiating and coaching the youth boys and girls basketball team for 24 years and coaching Bulldog Football. Tom was a keen bowler and found great solace in the serene waters of North Twin Lake where he indulged in his love for Muskie and perch fishing and patiently teaching all of his children and grandchildren how to fish. His hobbies were not merely pastimes, but expressions of his boundless energy and love for connecting with others. Tom was a beacon of positivity and encouragement and he will be dearly missed.

Tom is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jean; his children Jeffrey (Renee) Vandehey, Daniel (Mary) Vandehey, Julie (Robert) Reinke, Toni (John) Sikora, Anne (Randy) Asman and daughter-in-law Lisa Vandehey; grandchildren Jennifer Vandehey, Sarah (Michael) Fitzgerald, Marc (Christine) Vandehey, Kimberly (Eric) Lintner, Ryan (Kali) Vandehey, Eric Vandehey, Kayla Vandehey, Brett Reinke, Haley (Nick) Johnson, Hanna Reinke, Megan Reinke, Alyssa Sikora, Bryn Sikora, Jack Sikora, Grant Asman, Michael Asman and Claudia Asman; great-grandchildren Claire Strelow, Carlie Strelow, Colin Fitzgerald, Jade Fitzgerald, Allister Vandehey, Murdoc Vandehey, Stefan Vandehey, Carson Vandehey, Isla Lintner; sisters Lois (Loren) Rohlof, Joyce Williams, Susan (Larry) Navarette and many other relatives and friends.

Thomas is preceded in death by his parents Herman and Ethyl (Verhagen) Vandehey; son Steven Vandehey; brothers Jim (Pat) Vandehey and Pete Vandehey and sisters Diane Nienhaus and Joan (Cliff) Sanderfoot.

A Funeral Mass for Thomas will take place on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at Holy Spirit Parish, 600 East Kimberly Ave, at 11:00 am with Father Carl Schmitt officiating. Friends and family are welcome to gather for visitation at church beginning at 9:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Tom, for a memorial bench to be placed in the Village of Kimberly. The Vandehey family would like to thank the entire medical staff involved in Thomas’ treatment, particularly Dr. Kroner, Dr. Patel and Nurse Ben of ThedaCare Hospice.