| Notes |
- Thomas L. Oudenhoven, age 81, of Appleton died peacefully on Sunday, May 4 after suffering a massive stroke. He was surrounded by his loving family and comforted by his friends.
Tom was born on August 1st, 1932 to George and Ann Oudenhoven in Appleton. He was a man of serviceto his country, his family, his community, and his faith. He joined the US Army in 1952 and was stationed in Germany during the Korean Conflict. In 1955, he married Marietta "Tottie" Rechner, and spent the the rest of his happy and productive life with herraising their two children, Beth (Tharen) Gorski and Jane (Steve) Wilz, and guiding his two grandchildren, Nicholas and Patrick Wilz, on whom he had a considerable influence.
His work at Oudenhoven Construction, Appleton Lathing, and Miron Construction empowered Tom with wonderful skills and a love for carpentry that he tirelessly shared with his community. He was a compulsive volunteer, who invested his labor into numerous organizations, including St. Joseph Booster Club, Xavier Booster Club, St. Joseph Parish, Housing Partnership, the Mooring Program, and the Warming Shelter. He expressed his spirituality through his hands, and the many works they completed will stand as testaments to his enduring Catholic faith.
He spent a majority of his life giving, but Tom himself had only a few, simple needs. He was active to the end, and enjoyed fishing, skiing, walking the family dog, and spending time with those he loved at his cottage on Bass Lake. In the rare moments spent off his feet he would play gin with Tottie and dominoes with anyone who was interested. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed quiet nights with his books or practicing counted-cross stitch. In all things, Tom exercised an admirable discipline and balance. As a man, he was proud but humble. As a friend and family member, he was tough and kind.
He was preceded in death by father George, mother Ann, and brother James.
A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 3:30 pm on Friday, May 9, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 414 W. Lawrence St., Appleton, with with Father James Leary OFM CAP officiating. Friends may visit directly at the church on Friday from 1 pm until the time of service. Interment will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Appleton. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial donations to St. Joseph Parish.
Thank you to Fr. Dennis and the caring parishioners of St. Bernard Parish; Ryan Weyers and first responders; the staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital; and the amazing ICU team at Theda Clarkespecially our guardian angels, Lori and Terra.
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1932 - 2014 (81 years)
