Andrew "Andy" Cornelius Vander Heyden

As the sun was setting on Saturday, April 24, 2021, Andrew C. “Andy” Vander Heyden set his fishing pole down for the last time and passed away peacefully in the loving arms of son Timothy and daughter-in-law Gretchen.  He was born on August 26, 1928 in Little Chute to the late Leonard and Marie (Deyager) Vander Heyden.  Andrew’s father Leonard was a Dutch immigrant, born and raised in Holland.

Andy graduated in 1947 from St. John High School in Little Chute.  On June 9, 1956 he was united in marriage to Carol Kneice at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and together they celebrated 58 wonderful years until her death on June 6, 2014.

Andrew served two years of active duty in the Army from 1951 – 1952 and in the Army Reserve from 1953 – 1957.  He was a member of the American Legion Jacob Coppus Post 258.

Andy started his career at the Appleton Power Company and later was employed by Combined Locks Paper Company.  He retired from the Appleton Post Office as a mail carrier in 1985 with 30 years of dedicated service.

Andrew was a faithful Christian and long-time member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church.  He loved to fish, boat, camp, relax in the sun, take care of his lawn and garden, and just appreciated nature and the outdoors.  He always pointed out the pretty blooms on his rose bushes, peonies, lilacs and geraniums.  He also enjoyed bowling and playing board games.  As an avid sports fan, he regularly attended Packer and Brewer games and liked watching sports, game shows and westerns on TV.

Andy was a sweet, kind, humble man, never complained about anything, and had a knack for making people laugh, frequently coming up with good one-liners unexpectedly.  He was a devoted husband and proud father, and especially cherished spending time with his three granddaughters.

Andy is survived by three children: Lori (Randy) Piette, Linda (Todd) Noack, and Timothy (Gretchen) Vander Heyden; three grandchildren: Lindsey (Jason) Sirianni, Lauren (Joel) Hunt, and Amber Vander Heyden (fiancé Alex Knuth); brother, Sylvester Vander Heiden, along with a niece, nephews, other relatives and close friends.  He was welcomed into heaven by his parents, loving wife Carol, and infant great-grandson Keaton Sirianni.

A Mass of Christian Burial with military honors will take place on Friday, April 30, 2021 at 11:00AM at ST. THOMAS MORE CHURCH, 1810 N. McDonald Street, Appleton, with Reverend Jack Mullarkey officiating.  Relatives and friends may visit with the family at the church on Friday, April 30, 2021 from 9:00 AM until the time of service.  Masks are required.  A private burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.

Thank you Dad and Grandpa for brightening our days with your humor, constant love and quiet presence.  We are blessed with so many wonderful memories.  We will miss you dearly and love you so very much!