Clyde Van Dera

Clyde Van Dera, age 51, died unexpectedly on Sunday, February 11, 2007 at his home. He was born in Appleton on July 18, 1955, the son of Peter Van Dera of Freedom and the late Elaine (Hietpas) Van Dera. On September 11, 1980 he married the former Mary Kamps in Combined Locks. For over twenty years, he had been employed as a rural mail carrier for the Appleton Post Office. Clyde was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed his annual hunting and fishing trips to his cabin in Crandon as well as snowmobiling and motorcycling. Clyde was a Master Mason of the Manawa Lodge and was also a Noble of the Beja Shrine in Green Bay. In addition, he raised pheasants and chickens at his game farm. He was always able to fix just about anything that someone else (or he) broke and was always willing to lend a hand when needed. He also enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and his trusty sidekick T-Bone. Clyde will be remembered as a caring and generous man who constantly placed the needs of others before those of his own. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife: Mary Van Dera of Freedom; three children: Jeremy Van Dera of Freedom, Jenna Van Dera of Madison, and Jesse Van Dera of Freedom and his special friend Carrie Van Asten; his father: Peter Van Dera of Freedom and his special friend Glenna; and adopted “grandparents” Russ and Beata Huss. Clyde also leaves behind six brothers and sisters: Carl (Vicki) Van Dera of Freedom and their children Carl, Craig, and Kristy; Diane (Mark) Romenesko of Kaukauna and their children Dana, Dawn (Mike) Halverson, and Liz; Gary “Butch” (Geneva) Van Dera of Wrightstown and their children Adam, Lee, and Brad; Steve (Gail) Van Dera of Freedom and their children Melissa (Jim) Marvin and Nick; Nancy (Scott) Bornemann of Kaukauna and their children Derek and Brittany; and Cheryl (Todd) Poellet of DePere and their children Ben and Nathan. Clyde is further survived by a former sister-in-law Kay Van Dera of Kaukauna, as well as many other relatives and friends. Clyde was preceded in death by his mother Elaine in 1976 and Mary’s parents Clarence Kamps in 1976 and Josephine Kamps in 1994.

Visitation will be held at ST. NICHOLAS CATHOLIC CHURCH in Freedom on Thursday, February 15, 2007 from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM. The funeral liturgy and celebration of Clyde’s life will follow at the church at 5:00 PM with Fr. David Hoffman officiating. Interment will be in St. Paul Cemetery, Combined Locks. In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established.

The family would like to extend their special thanks to the Freedom First Responders and to the families of Tom Van Handel and Rick Huss for their love, concern, and support. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Clyde, it’s been quite a ride, never a dull moment.
Thanks for the memories. Love, Mary.

Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad.

Jansen Fargo Funeral Home
204 E. Kimberly Avenue
Kimberly, WI 54136
920-788-6202