David Gendron

David “Joe” Gendron, age 85, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 19, 2008 at the Appleton Medical Center. His beloved wife Neva was at his side, as she had been nearly every day for the past sixty-eight years. David was born in Niagara, Wisconsin, on October 25, 1922, son of the late William and Laura (Brouillire) Gendron. He grew up raising cane between Appleton and Cheboygan, Michigan until he met Neva Bettis in High School. After scraping up $2.00 in change for a license, Dave married Neva on April 12, 1940 in Detroit, Michigan. The early years of living on grape jelly sandwiches built character and the resolve to build a better life for their family. David served in the United States Navy from 1943 until 1945 as a Fireman First Class. He served in the Pacific Theatre aboard an L.S.T. and was present at the invasions of Saipan, Tinnian, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. Following his discharge, he returned home, along with Neva raised four sons and a daughter in Appleton. During this time he enjoyed watching his children play a variety of sports. He and Neva also enjoyed traveling and visited many of the fifty States and countries in Europe. David had worked for the Kimberly Clark Corporation as a millwright for over forty years, until retiring in 1982. He and Neva enjoyed retirement years in Zolfo Springs, Florida and Melbourne, Florida, before coming full circle and moving back to Appleton.

He is survived by his wife: Neva Gendron of Appleton; five children: Joe (Susan) Gendron of Little Lake, Michigan; Jerry (Laura) Gendron of Plattsburg, Missouri; David “Jack” (Carolyn) Gendron of Ashland, Virginia; Patrick (Barbara) Gendron of Ashland, Virginia; and Debbie Ratliff Gendron of Appleton; fifteen grandchildren: Michael (Debby) Gendron, Patrick (Toni) Gendron, Laura Gendron, Paul Gendron, Jessica Windsor, Cliff (Shari) Gendron, Wayne (Aleasa) Knuckles, David Knuckles, Joey Gendron, Sean Gendron, Micah Gendron, Jennifer Gendron, David Metcher, and Nicole Ratliff; nine great-grandchildren: Eric, Ryan, and Will; Brandon and Alec; Analease, Amber, and Alyssa; and Shaun; two sisters: Yvonne “Honey” Nelson of Appleton and Laura (Frank) Merckx of Kaukauna; two sisters-in-law: Audrey Valot of Cheboygan, Michigan and Alice Bettis of Mullet Lake, Michigan; and a brother-in-law: Bruce (Joanne) Bettis of Sparta, Wisconsin. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, a brother: William (Connie) Gendron, a sister-in-law: Wanda (Fred) Spreeman; and brothers-in-law: Gilbert Nelson, Ed Valot, Bob Bettis, Richard Bettis, Gordon Bettis, and Vern Bettis.

Family and friends of Dave will gather to celebrate his life on Saturday, March 22, 2008 at the Wichmann Funeral Home, Tri County Chapel, from 1:00 PM until 4:00 PM. Members of the military will gather at 3:00 PM Saturday at the funeral home to offer full military honors.

Dave will be remembered as a man who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time in the outdoors. He was also a master “fixer-upper” and those who knew him well know that he was never happy if something seemed to be working properly !

Dad had a few friends and neighbors who were more like family to him. They all helped to make his last couple of years special. They include Priscilla, Patricia, Barb, Ned, and Arlene.

The family would also like to thank Dad's wonderful caregivers who took such good care of him: Dr. Michael Krueger, Nurse Jan, Nurse Janet, Dr. Russell Novak and Eric Dellamater and staff, Dr. Kenneth Geller, visiting nurses Debbie and Pat, Dr. Greg Hunter, Dr. John Swanson, and Shawn in the AMC Emergency Room. The kindness you have shown to our family will always be treasured.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME
3212 S. Oneida Street
Appleton, WI 54915
920-831-9905