Joseph S. Van Vonderen

Age 83, passed away Tuesday, April 9, 2002 at Parkside Care Center in Little Chute, surrounded by his family. Joe was born in Little Chute on May 28, 1918, son of the late John and Johanna (Thyssen) Van Vonderen. On August 27, 1941, Joe married the former Luella Petit in New London; she survives. For many years, Joe was employed at Thilmany Pulp and Paper, retiring in 1981 as the maintenance supervisor. He was a member of the Thilmany Management Club and the Thilmany Quarter-Century Club. He served his country faithfully as a member of the U.S. Army, and was also a member of the Electric City Post #3319 of the VFW and the Golden Agers. He enjoyed playing cards with family and friends, golfing, traveling with his family, and fishing. His favorite times came from spending time at the family cottage on Thunder Lake, boating and water-skiing with his children and grandchildren. Joe was a “Master Fixer-Upper”, and many will remember his desire to constantly putter with engines, electricity, or anything else that caught his eye and needed “adjustment”.

He is survived by his wife of sixty years: Luella Van Vonderen of Kaukauna; two sons: John J. Van Vonderen and his friend Kim Hawker of Kaukauna and Gary (Theresa) Van Vonderen, of Kaukauna; three daughters: Shirley (Larry) Abts of Ashwaubenon, Karen (Tom) Portman of Freedom, and Lynn (Jeff) Hicks of Clinton, Washington; fourteen grandchildren: Brant (Ellie) Abts, Troy (Elaina) Abts, Cory Van Vonderen and his fiancée Dawn Brandt, Carrie Van Vonderen and her friend Ron Hawkins, Joshua Van Vonderen, Shawn Van Vonderen, Terra Van Vonderen, Dustin Van Vonderen, Tamara Van Vonderen, Jared Portman, Ryan Portman, Adam (Candace) Portman, Matthew Hicks, Sara Hicks, Jason (Corinne) Hicks, and Kari (Brian) Schilling-George; nine great-grandchildren: Danielle, Cody, Dylan, and Alyssa Van Vonderen; Destiny Portman; Jason and Kierstin Hicks; Skyler and Kobe Schilling-George; a brother: Martin Van Vonderen of Appleton; two brothers-in-law: Raymond (Helen) Petit of New London and Leander Petit of Kaukauna; five sisters-in-law: Henrietta Van Vonderen of Kaukauna; Christina Petit of Berlin; Ann Petit of New London; Margaret Petit of Appleton; Lois Petit of Appleton. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Harriet (John) Hammen; a brother Arnold Van Vonderen; sister-in-laws: Eleanor Van Vonderen, Clara Petit, and Leona (Harold) Heid; and by brothers-in-law Leo Petit, Adrian (Florence) Petit, Glen Petit, Vernon Petit, and Mark Petit.

The funeral liturgy for Joe will be held at 10 AM on Saturday. April 13, 2002 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 at the funeral home on Friday from 4 – 8 PM and again Saturday at the church from 9 AM until the hour of the service. There will be a parish prayer and scripture service on Friday at 7 PM at the funeral home. On Saturday, Military Memorial Rites will be provided by members of Electric City Post #3319 of the VFW.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the entire staff at Parkside Care Center, and to Dr. Gustafson and his clinic staff. You all took such great care of Joe; we will be forever thankful.

Fargo Funeral Home
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130
920-766-6200