Francis Peter Van Lanen

Van Lanen, Francis P.
“Fran”
Kaukauna

Age 79, was called home to the Lord on Tuesday, April 8, 2003. He was born to the late Francis and Catherine (VanderHeiden) Van Lanen in Wrightstown on July 22, 1923. On May 1, 1947, Fran married Beatrice Bruecker at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Askeaton. She preceded him in death in October, 1971. On August 4, 1973, he married Elizabeth “Becky” Van Thull-Clancy, also at St. Patrick Catholic Church. She too, preceded him in death in October, 1993.

Fran and his new wife Beatrice began dairy farming in Askeaton. He farmed for nearly 30 years. He was a progressive farmer, one of the first to implement a new concept of milking cows – the milking parlor. He and his facilities were instrumental in the development of innovative material and forage handling systems.
After retiring from farming, he worked for Hoida Lumber Company in Green Bay, followed by Ariens Corporation in Brillion, where he retired. After retiring and moving to Green Bay, he remained temporarily employed as a lawn maintenance technician until the age of 72. After selling his home in Green Bay, he took up residence at St. Paul Manor in Kaukauna in May of 2002.

Besides being an avid Packer fan, his interests included membership in various church organizations, singing in church choirs, and carpentry. Anyone close to Fran knew of his passion and tenacity for playing cards. He was unbeatable at Sheepshead and poker.

Fran is survived by eight children: David (Clarene “Reenie”) Van Lanen of Madison, Anna (Bob) Giese of Sheboygan, Michael (Sharon) Van Lanen of Darboy, Gerard (Cindy) Van Lanen of De Pere, Victoria (Mike) Widi of Greenville, Anthony “Tony” (Sally) Van Lanen of Trinidad, CO, Lee Van Lanen of Whitelaw, and Tara Van Lanen of Minneapolis, MN; four stepchildren: Patrick (Lana) Clancy, Debbie Clancy, Tim (Gina) Clancy, and Joe Clancy; 28 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and two on the way; a brother: Bill (Mary Lou) Van Lanen; three sisters: Collette Nytes, Mary (Bob) Kessler, Sister Anne Jude; and a sister-in-law, Evelyn Van Lanen. Fran is further survived by his very special friend Vonnie Wege. He is also survived by numerous other family and friends.

Fran is preceded in death by his four brothers: Rueben (Marie), Ralph, Norbert (Mayme), and Eugene Van Lanen; and a brother-in-law, Herb Nytes.

The funeral liturgy will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2003, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 7815 St. Patrick Church Road, Askeaton, with Fr. Allen Geiser and Fr. Charles Brooks officiating. Friends will be received at the Fargo Funeral Home in Kaukauna on Friday, April 11, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the liturgy. Burial will be at St. Patrick Cemetery at a later time.

The family extends a special thank you to Sister Elora, the staff at St. Paul Manor, and the staff at Appleton Medical Center for assisting Dad in living his final days with dignity.

A memorial fund in Francis’ name is being established and donations will be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Wisconsin.

“Safely Home”
I am home in heaven, dear ones; oh, so happy and so bright! There is perfect joy and beauty in this everlasting light, all the pain and grief is over, every restless tossing passed; I am now at peace forever, safely home in heaven at last, for I love you dearly still; try to look beyond earth’s shadows, pray to trust our Father’s will.

FARGO FUNERAL HOME
400 West Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, WI 54130
(920) 766-6200