Gerald L. Vanden Bloomen

Gerald L. Vanden Bloomen
N1860 Highway 55
Kaukauna

Age 73, passed away unexpectedly Friday, February 16, 2001 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton. Jerry was born in Kaukauna on September 2, 1927, son of the late Fred and Lucille (Vanden Bloomer) Vander Bloomen. On July 19, 1947, he married the former Marie Schmidt in Milwaukee. She preceded him in death just three weeks ago on January 29, 2001. Jerry worked at Thilmany Pulp and Paper for some twenty years, but an untimely heart attack forced his retirement at the age of forty-one. The unexpected free time gave him ample opportunity to pursue his hobbies of gardening, motorcycle riding, and wine making. He had a great love for music, and taught himself to play both the organ and the guitar. Many will remember Jerry as a likeable, sociable, and friendly man. He dearly loved his grandchildren, and proudly attended as many of their events as possible. As a high school student, Jerry was called to serve his country as a member of the United States Navy. Having never received his high school diploma, he was recently honored to receive his 1945 diploma. Jerry was an active and dedicated member of the Electric City Post #3319 of the VFW, and marched in many parades, carrying the colors of his nation.

Jerry is survived by a daughter: Sue (Tom) Natrop of Kaukauna; three sons: Dennis (Josette) Vanden Bloomen of Eau Claire; Dave (Kathy) Vanden Bloomen of Kaukauna; Rich Vanden Bloomen of Kaukauna; four grandchildren: Gretchen Vanden Bloomen, David Vanden Bloomen and his special friend Emily Olson, Michelle Natrop, and Michael Natrop; a great-grandson: Alex Vanden Bloomen; a brother: Fred “Fritz” (Jean) Vander Bloomen of Kaukauna; five sisters: Alma (Tony) Gazanna of West Allis; Lucille Hopfensperger of Eugene, Oregon; Jane (Emil) St. John of Kaukauna; Carol Van Cuyk of Combined Locks; Joan (Joseph)Lewandowski of Kimberly, as well as by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marie on January 29, 2001, brothers Floyd and Richie Vander Bloomen, a sister Alice (Bob) Nack, and a brother-in-law Lawrence Van Cuyk.

The funeral liturgy for Jerry will be held at 11:00 Am on Monday, February 19, 2001 at HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 309 Desnoyer Street in Kaukauna with Fr. Jim Lucas officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call directly at the funeral home from 3 – 5 PM Sunday and Monday, directly at the church from 10:00 AM until the hour of the service.

Jerry’s family would like to express their deepest thanks to the staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital, especially to the nursing staffs on the 4th Floor and the 2nd Floor ICU, and to Chaplain Joe for the wonderful care you provided to him. A special thanks is extended to Jerry’s physicians, Dr. Flanagan, Dr. Rasmussen, Dr. Steffens, and Dr. O’ Brien – the level of concern you demonstrated to us was wonderful. Your kindness will never be forgotten.