Leroy Antone DeValk

DEVALK, LEROY ANTONE
Leroy Antone DeValk 66, life-long resident of Combined Locks, passed away unexpectedly at Appleton Medical Center, Thursday, January 19, 2006 surrounded by his loving family.
Leroy was born March 18, 1939 in Combined Locks, son of the late John and Mary (Kamps) DeValk. He graduated from Kimberly High School in 1958. On November 18, 1959 Leroy married Carol Jakl at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kaukauna. Leroy enjoyed his career in sales. He worked for Warehouse Specialists for 26 years, where he formed life-long friendships and made a positive impact on many people’s lives….Anyone he met could count on a joke and a smile from Leroy.
Leroy participated actively in the community by coaching football and girl’s basketball, and was a member of the Village Board of Combined Locks. Leroy was an active member of St. Paul parish in Combined Locks, where he ushered and was a communion distributor for many years. He also enjoyed volunteering at St. Joe’s food pantry. Working in the yard was a favorite past-time of his, which was evident by his home’s beautiful landscape. (He spent equal time chasing away the landscape- eating deer!) Leroy also made rosaries for the mission, and had a passion for making beautiful wood-working projects in his shop, which he shared with many friends and family members.
Leroy was an outstanding husband and father and extra-special awesome grandpa.
He led by example, and we are all so blessed by this. Leroy is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Carol, and by his mother-in-law Bernice Jakl. He is survived by six children: Kelly (Doug) Kienert, Kathy (Mike) Karisny, Keith (Kathy) DeValk, Ken (Cindy) DeValk, Lee (Dorothy) DeValk, and Vicki (Ryan) Minten; and 12 grandchildren: Jake, Zach, and Lexi Kienert, Katie and Kalin Janssen, Jacquelyn Karisny, Lauren and Chase DeValk, Jordan and Nathan DeValk, Taylor DeValk and Gus Minten.
He is further survived by his brothers: Jack, Don (Corrita), Bob, Lyle (Julie), Tom (Mary Ellen), and a sister Mary Pat (Tom) Roovers. He is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law: Ron (Sonja) Jakl, Ed (Cathy) Jakl, Patricia Diny, Jerry Jakl, and Tom Jakl.
Leroy was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Ed Jakl, sisters-in-laws Barbara DeValk, Helen DeValk, Marie Jakl and Cheryl Jakl; and two grand daughters, Ashley and Aubrey DeValk.
The funeral mass to celebrate Leroy’s life will be held at 5:00 pm on Monday, January 23, 2006 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 410 Wallace St., Combined Locks, with Fr. Jim Lucas presiding. Interment will take place at the Parish Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the church prior to the mass. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund in Leroy’s name will be established. The family would like to offer special thanks to Dr. Travis Kroner, Dr. David Buchanan, Dr. Robert Ferrante, and also the staff of 2nd floor and ICU at Appleton Medical Center.

Dad, we know you had to go. You knew how deeply we wanted you to stay but God needed another jokester, so we sent you on your way. Thank you for the laughs, love, friendships and life lessons. The journey you shared with us and your ability to make each of us feel special in your own way. Love you lots, Carol and the kids

“Is today the day?
Am I ready?
Am I the person Jesus wants me to be?”

JANSEN FARGO FUNERAL HOME
204 E. Kimberly Ave.
Kimberly 788-6202
www.fargofuneralhomes.com