Thomas A. Roberts

Tom Roberts, age 83 of Kaukauna, passed away at St. Elizabeth Hospital on Monday, December 28, 2015. Tom fought a brave battle with cancer for the past twelve years. He was born in Appleton on May 30, 1932, son of the late Bert and Ann (Esler) Roberts. On April 14, 1956, Tom married Morcile Nytes; she preceded him in death on November 16, 1976. Tom later married Tess Duprey Flanagan on October 18, 1980; she survives. Tom retired from the Kaukauna Fire Department where he had been employed for thirty-four years, and where he eventually became the chief.

Tom served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict as a sergeant in the 8th Army, 7th Infantry Division, Company I. He was part of the Battle of Pork Chop Hill. He loved his God, his country, and his family. A memorable day for Tom was this past April 9, which he spent on the Old Glory Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. – the trip of a lifetime for him.

Tom was active in the community in several ways. He was a member of the Holy Cross Athletic Association, served as the president of the Kaukauna High School Booster Club for thirty years, was past president of the Kaukauna Lions Club, was a Grand Knight and life member of the Knights of Columbus, life member of the Kaukauna VFW, the Retired Fox Valley Fire Association, and received the prestigious Kaukauna High School Alumni award in 1978. He was also an active volunteer at the St. Vincent de Paul store in Kaukauna.

Tom is survived by his wife: Tess Roberts of Kaukauna; daughters: Ann (Steve) McDaniel of Kaukauna; Robin (Steve) Schmidt of Kaukauna; Patricia (Kevin) Diamond of Chicago; sons: William (Brenda) Roberts of Kaukauna; Thomas John (Tammy) Roberts of Kaukauna; and Kevin (Catrina) Roberts of Shawano; his grandchildren: Ketty, Christopher, Sara, Doug, Bridgette, Brittany, Belinda, Nicolas, David, Cecilia, Grace, Suraya, Sydnie, Ariel, and Morgan; and thirteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by Tess' children: Mary Katherine (Tom) Bednarowski of River Falls; Maureen (Dr. Richard) Johnson of Appleton; Margaret (Chris) Toepfer of Vancouver, Washington; and Eileen (Jonathan) Doughty of Vienna, Virginia; and his step-grandchildren: Mollie, Erin, Jasmine, Julia, Ross, Harrison, Grant, Eleanor, and Theo. He is also survived by a brother: Jack (Florence) Roberts of Kaukauna a sister: Liz of Appleton; and a sister-in-law: Mary “Charlie” Roberts. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Morcile, brothers Richard (Bettye) Roberts and Dan Roberts; and sisters Joyce (Marvin “Dago”) Schuler and Mary Jane (George) Reichelt.

According to Tom's wishes, a private service for the comfort of his family will be held at a later date. For more information or to share a memory of Tom, please visit www.wichmannfargo.com

Memorial gifts should be directed to:

Old Glory Honor Flight
P.O.Box 482
Menasha WI 54952