Adrian H. De Wildt

Adrian (Ade) De Wildt, age 87 of Kimberly, passed away with his loving family at his side on Wednesday, July 20th, 2005 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Appleton. He was born on August 31st, 1917, in Kimberly, son of the late George and Anna (Van Munn) De Wildt. Adrian married his loving wife of sixty-four years, Catherine (Newhouse) De Wildt on June 21st, 1941. They had a double ceremony with his sister Anna and the late Sylvester Vanden Boogard at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Kimberly. Ade displayed his dedication and faith to Holy Name, now Holy Spirit, by ushering since the age of sixteen. Adrian served his country during World War II, where he practiced his carpentry skills. His zest for carpentry can be seen in the many homes he built, for Hofkens' Building and Supply, throughout the valley. Ade’s “go-getter” and friendly personality did not leave room for the word “retirement” in his vocabulary. Therefore, he enjoyed working at ShopKo and took pride in his handiwork, such as sharpening saws and repairing bikes, up to the very end. Adrian’s hobby, beyond his work, was his enthusiasm for sports. He loved the Kimberly Papermakers, which grew from watching his many grandchildren play. He enjoyed baseball, especially his Brewers. Ade also enjoyed running the scoreboard for the Appleton Foxes for over ten years.

Adrian is survived by his wife: Catherine De Wildt of Kimberly; three daughters: Mary Kae (Tom) Schmit, Charlotte (Juan) Diaz, and Jane (Jim) Van Hammond; ten grandchildren: Jodi (Jon) Tate, Dale Schmit, Pam (Bill) Hall, Tina Diaz, Jason (Kelly) Diaz, Heather Diaz, Jeff (Rachelle) Van Hammond, Kelley Van Hammond, Jamie (Lisa) Van Hammond, Kari (Scott) Vande Wettering; nine great-grandchildren and three more to arrive within the next month: Kristen and Jordan Tate, Emily and Ryan Schmit: Dylan and Riley Hall; and Carter, Weston and Alyson Van Hammond; four sisters: Anna Vanden Boogard, Dorothy (Rich) Evers, Ione Schommer, and Joyce (Ron) McCann; three sisters-in-law: Rose (Joe) Dietzen, Clara Newhouse and Trudy Noffke; and many loved nieces, nephews and cousins. Adrian was preceded in death by his parents George and Anna, his wife’s parents: John and Catherine (Hooyman) Newhouse; three brothers: Henry, Joseph and Clement De Wildt; four brothers-in-law: Sylvester Vanden Boogard, Paul Schommer, Emmett Newhouse and Bill Noffke; a nephew: Bruce Evers; five half-brothers-in-law; and five half-sisters-in-law.

The funeral liturgy for Adrian will be held at 5:00 PM on Monday, July 25, 2005 at HOLY SPIRIT PARISH, 600 E. Kimberly Avenue in Kimberly with Fr. Tom Pomeroy officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call directly at the church on Monday from 2:00 PM until the hour of the service.

The family would like to thank the entire medical staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital, especially those in the emergency room and on the second floor. You took such great care of dad, and we will never forget everything you have done for our family.

Grandpa, thank you for teaching us the value of family, faith and friendship. Your journey has inspired us to always work hard, be kind and trust in the Lord. We know you will always be watching over us and guiding us through life. You will be missed always, but forever be in our hearts. Love always, The Grandkids.

Dad, you have always been the strength and support in our lives. We could always depend and count on you. We aspire to be the rock for our children as you have always been for us. You have given us many wonderful memories that we will cherish forever. We love you and will miss you, Mary Kae, Tom, Char, Juan, Jane and Jim.

Ader, I love you and will meet you once again in heaven. Love, Catherine.