Thomas "Tom" Witczak

Thomas “Tom” Witczak, 82, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on June 20, 2026. He was born on December 5, 1943, to Joseph and Ruth (Heinrichs) Witczak.

Tom was born and raised in Manitowoc WI. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1962 and immediately joined the United Stated Army. He bravely served his country from 1962 – 1965. When he was discharged, he wanted to serve his community. He enrolled in the police academy in Milwaukee and served the Appleton community for 16 years. He also served as a drill sergeant with the United States Army Reserves – 84th Division Training in Appleton.  After his time with the Police Department, He worked as a law enforcement instructor for Lakeshore Technical College and Fox Valley Technical College until he retired. He wrote the EVOC training manual for the state of Wisconsin and he was very proud of that. He got the opportunity to be part of the security team for the Olympics in 1996 and 2002 for Atlanta and Salt Lake.

When Tom was a fresh officer, he met the love of his life, Mary Jochman. The pair married in 1973 and together raised 2 children. They loved to travel and would do so whenever the opportunity came about. Tom was a big racing fan and would go to WIR on Thursdays. He was also a huge Green Bay Packers fan, having been a season ticket holder for more than 50 years. Go Pack Go! Tom wasn’t known for being a handyman, but he made up for it ten fold with his sense of humor and caring heart. He also loved the title he carried of being the favorite fun uncle.

Tom is survived by his wife Mary, daughters: Julie Witczak and Jenny (Tony) Maglio; grandchildren: Halley and Drew Maglio; sister Joan Boldt; brothers and sister in law: Dennis (Dianne) Jochman, Gerald (Mary Jo) Jochman, Kathleen (John) McKenna; along with nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Leonard Boldt and sister-in-law Lisa Jochman.

There will be a time to celebrate Tom on June 25, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church – 404 W Lawrence St. Appleton WI 54911. The visitation will be from 9am to 11am, with the funeral service starting at 11. Br. Ray Stadmeyer will be officiating.

Tom requested that instead of wearing mourning black, you wear a colorful outfit as this is a celebration of his life and memory.

If you were thinking of sending flowers, the family asks that you instead consider contributing to our memorial funds for Appleton Police Department K-9 Unit, Veteran Village, and Open Heart Magic. We will present this donation together as a family in Tom's honor.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.