John P. Van Dyke

John P. Van Dyke
Appleton

Beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away Monday, December 5th, 2005 in Menasha, Wisconsin. He was a most remarkable man who lived a full and loving life. He was born October 5, 1915 son of Joseph R. and Laura (Liesch) Van Dyke. John was employed for 32 years by Wisconsin Michigan Power Company now Wisconsin Electric Power Company as a Supervisor of Property Accounting. In addition to his regular duties, John also worked in the community as a loaned executive for the Community Fund for 6 years and as a fund-raiser for Appleton Memorial Hospital and St. Elizabeth Hospital. John was a U. S. Navy veteran who served as an Aviation Chief Machinist Mate in the Pacific in WWII. He was active as an adult leader in youth activities in PTA, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts (where he enjoyed participating in the Order of the Arrow), and De Molay (where he earned the Legion of Merit). John was very active in Masonic organizations. He presided over all York Rite bodies including Appleton Lodge 349, Appleton Chapter where he received the York Rite Cross of Honor, 32 degree Scottish Rite. He was also active in the Grand Commandery Knights Templar of the State of Wisconsin and Beja Shriners A.A.O.N.M.S. of Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Dad is survived by many who loved him: his son Robert R. (Aleen) Van Dyke, daughter-in-law Evelyn M. Van Dyke, grand-daughter Kristyne (Steven) Gunther, grandson Nickolas (Sara) Van Dyke, and four great-grandchildren Chelsea Gunther, Courtney Gunther, Makenzie Van Dyke, and Jacob Van Dyke. He is also survived by four brothers and sisters Peter (Donna) Van Dyke, Eleanor (Thomas) Burke, Joan (Ralph) Gast, Thomas (Carol) Van Dyke, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives. John is also survived by a close circle of friends and by many lodge brothers. John was preceded in death by his wife Myra M. Courtois who he married on June 24, 1943 in Appleton, Wisconsin, and by his younger son Jon L. Van Dyke. He was also preceded in death by three brothers Bob Van Dyke, Howard Van Dyke, and Jerry Van Dyke, and a sister-in-law Marion Van Dyke.
A memorial service for John will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2005 at 11a.m. at the Wichmann Funeral Home Tri-County Chapel, 3212 S. Oneida Street, Menasha, with Rev. Wendy Wirth-Brock and Rev. Larry Matthews officiating. Friends may call directly at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the time of the service. John’s wish was to be cremated and buried at Appleton Highland Memorial Park next to his beloved wife Myra. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Dad’s memory.
Thanks to Dr. Kari Sheldon and her staff who enabled Dad to thrive and live his life to the fullest. Thanks also to the many nurses and aides at Oakridge Gardens Nursing Facility who’s caring hearts and hands eased Dad’s suffering the last 3 weeks of his life.