Carl J. Van Vreede

Carl J. Van Vreede. Appleton, 94, beloved father and devoted grandfather and great-grandfather went to heaven peacefully on Saturday, July 23, 2022. He will be greatly missed by everyone whose life he touched.  We will hold in our hearts and minds forever all the fond memories "Daddy-Dad-Pa-Papa" created for his loved ones.

He was born on a farm in the Town of Kaukauna on June 22, 1928 to the late Bert and Anna (Vander Heiden) Van Vreede.  Carl attended three high schools - Kaukauna, Freedom, and graduated from Kimberly High School - boxing was his favorite high school sport.

Carl served in the U. S. Army during the Korean conflict and was honorably discharged in November 1952.  He married Margaret Stein at St. Mary Parish in Appleton on November 27, 1952.  She preceded him in death on September 13, 2002.  In 1956, he joined the Knights of Columbus and was a past Grand Knight, and also an active member serving on many committees.  In his earlier years he enjoyed being active in many sports including hunting and fishing.  He was a Chicago Cub fan since a child & listened to the games on radio!  Goal was to hit the ball over the barn!

He worked in many capacities for Kimberly-Clark Corporation both in Neenah, WI and Norway, MI retiring in May 1990 as an accountant after 44 years of employment.  After retirement, he traveled with his wife Margaret; together they have been to all 50 states, the last adventure being a whitewater raft ride in Alaska; plus many European countries.  He was also a volunteer at Appleton Medical Center and then continued to enjoy golf, bowling, horseshoe, cribbage, and many visits to the casino.

He yearned for knowledge.  He was self-taught on how to program a computer business plan, recorded all bowling scores before electronics came, planned his class reunions and sent pictures to all.   After the day activities, he would be on the computer - he had five after he retired!

Carl is survived by his children:  Carla (Brad) Freeman, Kingsford, MI; Bill (Tammy) Van Vreede, Traverse City, MI; Larry (Stacey) Van Vreede, Colorado Springs, CO; and Vicki (Jude) Hietpas, Appleton, WI; grandchildren: Eric (Kim) Freeman; Marc (Jill) Freeman; Jessica (Dave) Marsh; Michael (Jahaila) Van Vreede; Tony (Tiffany) Van Vreede; Billy (Briana) Van Vreede; and Katelyn (Nick) Shaffran; Maureen (Rex) Hilborn; Renae (William) Greer); Becki (Jeremy) Murphy; Mandi Hietpas; great-grandchildren: Brody and Brantley Freeman; Avery and Brantley Van Vreede; Zoe and Skye Van Vreede; Isla, Cruz, Luca Van Vreede; Nicolas, Ethan, Brendan Van Vreede; Avery and Brantley Marsh; Van Vreede; Elliana Marsh; Emily and Caiden Hilborn, Lucas Holmes & William Greer; Taylor & Peyton Murphy; Hendrix Hietpas.

In addition to his parents, Carl was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; their daughter Jane, father-and mother-in law, John and Mary Stein, sister Georgiana (Bill) Weyers; brothers Alois (Elaine), Victor (Helen) Harvey, Floyd.

A private burial service will be held at a later date.

The family would like to thank everyone at Rennes Health and Rehab for the love and compassion shown to Carl while he was a patient there.  We will never forget your kindness.