Brett Van Handel

Brett Van Handel, age 12 of Appleton, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday, July 3, 2019, at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Brett was born in Neenah on March 27, 2007, son of the late Heath Van Handel and Jennifer (Roberts) Van Handel.

Brett is survived by his mother: Jennifer Van Handel of Appleton; a brother: Matt Van Handel of Appleton; maternal grandparents: Don and Carol Roberts of Salina, Kansas; paternal grandparents: Roger and Joyce Van Handel of Greenville; his aunts and uncles: Jeannie Roberts, Jodi Roberts, Chris Roberts, Ross (Sheila) Van Handel, and Reed (Joanna) Van Handel; his cousins: Alyssa, Ethan, Paislee, Frank, Claire, Luke, Lilli, John, Ryan, and Tommy; and dear family friends; Jeff and Ann Gentz and their children Rachel (Josh) Buser, Jonathan Gentz, Abby Gentz, and Elizabeth Gentz, as well as Charlie and Jessie Borden and Doug and Traci Swartz. Brett was preceded in death by his dad, Heath Van Handel, in 2009.

The Christian Funeral Service for Brett will be held at 3:00 PM on Monday, July 15, 2019 at Riverview Ev. Lutheran Church, located at 136 W. Seymour Street in Appleton, with Rev. Dennis Belter officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather at the church on Monday, July 15, from 11:00 AM until the hour of the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Brett’s name to St. Baldrick’s Foundation: https://www.stbaldricks.org/

Where can I start to describe Brett? My son Brett was the beautiful boy born to my late husband Heath and I, twelve years ago. Along with his beloved brother, Matt, he made our family complete. From early on, he always knew what he wanted and worked hard to make those things happen. He was so charming to everyone, it usually didn’t take much convincing for them to see it Brett’s way. Brett loved his family, his friends and his pets. He had a nurturing side that was so precious to see. He enjoyed sports, video games, but most of all really loved building LEGO sets. He put them together so quickly, and with such determination! He approached fighting cancer with the same grit and persistence. We fought this disease SO hard!

We are extremely grateful to the caring Doctors and Nurses of both Children’s Mercy Hospital of Kansas, and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. All of the caring staff we worked with clearly saw their occupation as more of a calling more than only a job.

Thanks to all of you who supported us with messages of encouragement, love, Legos, and other gifts. Your support for our family means more to us than you will ever know!
Love to you all – JMB