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Thomas Van Grinsven June 8, 1952 ~ November 19, 2022 (age 70)

Thomas Van Grinsven, 70, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at the family hunting camp in Argonne, WI-a place he so much enjoyed growing up. He was born on June 8, 1952, the third of eight children, to Pug and Joyce Van Grinsven.

Growing up, Tom spent countless hours playing by the river with his brothers and neighborhood friends. Together they would fish, catch small animals, and get into general mischief. Tom was a graduate of Kimberly High School, Class of 1970. In 1971, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. After completing his basic training at Ft. Knox, KY he became a member of the 82nd airborne division and proudly served his country in Germany, Panama and South Korea where he received his Ranger Tab and Parachutist Badge, among other achievements. He later held a pivotal role in training soldiers for deployment to Iraq. After 20+ years of service and earning the title of Sergeant Major E7, he was honorably discharged. Tom’s famous stories of being dropped via helicopter in the Everglades where he had to compete for survival with snakes and alligators will be greatly missed by his entire family.

Tom married Rebekah in 1988 at Fort Knox and shortly after she was diagnosed with MS. He was her loving spouse and caretaker until she passed away in 2008. His care and compassion for her was so deep and loving. He never left her side until the day she died.

Tom is survived by his two beautiful daughters: Shelly (Steve) Wedde of Clintonville and Jackie Opperman (Travis) Bronk of Marion; 3 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren. He is further survived by his brothers: Ted (Kathy), Phil (Helen), Jerry (Sue), Bob (Sharon), Dick (Barb), Dan (Kim), and one sister, Nancy (Dave) Evers.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Rebekah and his parents: Lawrence “Pug” and Joyce “Eck” Van Grinsven.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at Holy Spirit Parish in Kimberly, 600 E. Kimberly Avenue, at 11:00 a.m. with full military honors. Visitation will begin at church at 9:00 a.m. and will continue until the time of the service. For online condolences, please visit www.verkuilenfh.com.

Tom will be remembered for being the best story teller, best caretaker, and a two-time cancer survivor. Growing up, he was referred to as the “Street Angel and Home Devil.” He was a tough son of a gun.

Rest in peace Sergeant Major, son, brother, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.

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