- Thomas H. Velte, age 82, of Wild Rose, passed away Thursday evening, May 10, 2007, while working on his tree farm. He was born Feb. 7, 1925, in Oshkosh, the son of Clifford E. and Ora E. (Tyriver) Velte. He married Doris M. Nagel on Oct. 1, 1949, at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Kaukauna. Tom was a graduate of Kaukauna High School. He spent a semester at Lakeland College, followed by his attendance and 1944 graduation from the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY. He served in the Merchant Marines for three years during World War II and for three more years following the end of the War. He later served in the United States Navy during the time of the Berlin Airlift and the Korean War. Following his military service, he was employed for 37 years in the sales department of the Thilmany Pulp and Paper Company in Kaukauna. He was a Freemason since 1962 and was a member of the Wautoma Lodge #148. Tom had a great love for water, ships, boats and the sea. He also greatly enjoyed the forest trees and the beauty of all nature. He and his wife retired to a beautiful place near a lake where they could enjoy their love of the woodland, water, and their nearby small tree farm. He was a great storyteller, especially of Robert Service poetry. Many of his family and friends enjoyed his recitations around the campfire.
Tom is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Doris, of Wild Rose; his four children, Christopher (Shirley) of Hortonville; Barbara (Dale) Failor of Ripon; John (Valerie) of Mooresville, N.C.; and Katherine Velte of Clintonville; three grandchildren, Jessica, Susan and Ellen Velte of North Carolina. He is further survived by three brothers, John (Betty) of Rio Rancho, N.M.; William (Mary) of Lake Havasu City, Ariz.; and Charles (Vera) of Westbank, British Columbia, Canada; three sisters-in-law, Ruth Keough of Brookfield; Janice Frank of Mountain, and Shirley Margenau of Kaukauna; nieces, nephews, many friends from the Kaukauna and Wild Rose areas; former shipmates from around the country; his Masonic Lodge Brothers; and many friends and family who were warmed by his kindness and humor during his long life.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his well loved parents-in-law, Raymond and Gladys Nagel; several brothers-in-law, Raymond Nagel, Jr., James Nagel and William Frank and one sister-in-law, Flavia Nagel.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 16, 2007, at 11 a.m. in the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Redgranite, with Rev. Dorothy Heckner Mendonca officiating. Relatives and friends may call on Wednesday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of services at the Church.
Memorials to the First Congregational United Church of Christ, Redgranite Building Fund in Tom's name are appreciated.
Leikness Funeral Home
Wautoma, Wisconsin 54982
920-787-3746
www.wautomafuneralhome.com
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1925 - 2007 (82 years)
Education - High School
