Jerome A. Van Lanen

Jerome A. Van Lanen, age 92, passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at the Appleton Medical Center. Jerry was born in De Pere, Wisconsin on February 28, 1914, son of the late Anton and Anna (Hermes) Van Lanen. Much of Jerome’s life was spent in the Green Bay and De Pere area, having relocated to Kaukauna after his marriage to Catherine Micke. As a young man, Jerry began working in the mill at the Charmin Paper Company (Procter & Gamble) in Green Bay. Over the years, he was promoted several times, and at the time of his retirement in 1980 was working in personnel management. Many will recall Jerome working alongside his father and brothers at the family-operated mink farm in rural De Pere. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and also enjoyed square dance groups and card clubs for many years. Jerome was a faithful and active member of St. Boniface Parish in De Pere and Holy Cross Parish in Kaukauna. He was also an avid traveler, and had visited many destinations in the United States and in Europe.

He is survived by two children: Robert (Jane) Van Lanen of Westchester, Illinois and their daughter Kathleen Van Lanen; and Jane (Michael) DeStaercke of De Pere and children Steven DeStaercke, Rachael Hovland, Joshua (Shana) Hovland, and Melissa (Doug) Schwartz; several brothers and sisters: Marie (Bill) Smits, Loretta Hansen, Dorothy (Ira) Thiry, Lloyd (Ellen) Van Lanen, Jean (Darrel) Molzahn, all of De Pere; Doris DeBruin of Little Chute; Lorraine Gersek and Gerald (RoseAnn) Van Lanen, both of Green Bay; and a sister-in-law: Ruth Schippers of Albuquerque, New Mexico; as well as many nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Jerome is also survived by members of the Micke family: Norman Micke of Madison, Harold Micke of Kaukauna, John (Mary Beth) Micke of De Pere, Melvin (Nina Matterella) Micke of Michigan, and Luane Quella of Appleton. Further survivors include the members of the Loraine Landwehr family. They include: Janet (Jerome) Stingle of Loon Lake, Sharon (Dick) Melchert of Black Creek, and Darryl Landwehr of Reno, Nevada and their families.

Jerome was preceded in death by his parents, by his wives Virginia (nee Schippers) in 1981, Catherine (nee Van Handel) Micke in 1999, and Loraine (nee Lembcke) Landwehr Romenesko in 2007; three brothers: Dick (Hazel) Van Lanen, Lawrence (Blanche) Van Lanen, Johnny Van Lanen; two sisters: Genevieve Giesler and Rachael Robillard; four brothers-in-law: Lyman Hansen, Mervin DeBruin, Edmund Gersek, Sr., Arthur Hendricks, and Lee Robillard. He was also preceded in death by members of the Schippers family. They include Virginia’s brothers and sisters: Mathilda (Sylvester) Janssen, Veronica (Ervin) Van Vonderen, Carolyn (Robert Wiggins) (Curt Spindler), Richard (Bertha) Schippers, and Theodore Schippers. He was also preceded in death by members of the Micke family. They include Mary Kay Micke and Janet VandeHey. Jerry was also preceded in death by brothers and sisters of Catherine and Loraine.

The funeral liturgy for Jerome will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 29, 2007 at HOLY CROSS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 309 Desnoyer Street in Kaukauna with Fr. Jack Mullarkey officiating. Entombment will be in the Allouez Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM and again Monday at the church from 9:30 AM until the hour of the service.

FARGO FUNERAL HOME
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, WI 54130
920-766-6200