Thomas “Tom” DeLain, 89, died on December 15, 2020. Tom was born in Appleton, WI on January 2, 1931, the son of Peter and Gertrude DeLain. He lived in and loved Appleton for 68 years before moving to Manitowoc. Tom was by education a chemist, a product of both Marquette University and the Institute of Paper Chemistry. After serving two years in the Army, Tom was employed by Fox River Paper as Superintendent, Technical Director, and finally as Technical Paper Sales Rep. He was later employed by Crane & Co. in Dalton, MA and Filter Materials in Waupaca, WI. Tom’s retirement also included 13 years working for Brandt Bus transporting students with special needs to and from school in Manitowoc.
Tom had a real passion for motorcycles and traveling. He and his second wife, Cathy, have visited all 50 states (many by motorcycle) and 34 different countries. Tom’s larger than life personality and sense of humor were immediately apparent to all who met him. For about 35 years of his life, Tom was actively involved in local theater both in the Fox Valley and with Masquers and the Little Sandwich Theater (now the Forst Inn). He was the emcee of the Appleton City Band Concerts for many years. Tom also generously gave his time as a volunteer at hospitals in both Appleton and Manitowoc.
Tom is survived by his twelve children: Kathy Konkol of Larsen, Peggy (Jim) Bevers of Appleton, Rick DeLain of Waukesha, Jenny (Bill) Grau of Appleton, Dave DeLain of Appleton, Mike DeLain (Kris Charais) of Appleton, Sue (Tim) Schuelke of Weyauwega, Sarah (Don) Sprister of Appleton, Paul (Leslie) DeLain of Germantown, Ed (Vicki) DeLain of Appleton, Laura (John) Wensink of Milwaukee, and Rob (Katie) DeLain of Appleton. His kids, 24 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren were “his bragging rights at the bar.” He loved them all as an immensely proud father and grandfather. Tom is also survived by his best friend and wife, Cathy. She gave real meaning to his life and he hated the thought of not having her by his side. Cathy was the buffer to life’s “speed bumps.” She needs a big “thank you” for putting up with the old curmudgeon. Tom will also miss his good friends, Lynn and Gary Retzak. He hopes to be waiting around the corner somewhere for them and Cathy so that the four of them can have one more “best beer of the day” before the four of them shuffle off into the last Great Sunset.
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his younger brother, Jim, and son-in-law, Dave Konkol.
This summer, Tom will take a final motorcycle ride from Manitowoc to Highland Memorial Cemetery in Appleton where he will be interred with military rights. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel. Although no formal ceremony will be held, Tom asked that any donations in his name be made to JDRF.
The family would like to thank friends and neighbors for their care and support for Tom as he faced the challenges of his declining health. Many thanks as well to the staff at Heartland Hospice.
We love you, Dad.
Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc, is assisting the family with arrangements.
