Vance P. Garvey

Vance Garvey, Sr., of Freedom, age 86 years, passed away early Sunday morning at Appleton Medical Center. He was born April 7, 1920 in Freedom, the son of the late Henry and Josephine (Weyenberg) Garvey. On August 5, 1941, Vance married Dolores Hopfensberger at St. Mary Catholic Church, Kaukauna. He served his country in WWII, European Theater. Bud was a life time member of St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Freedom and served as an usher for many years.

Vance started his sheet metal work at Joe Geenen’s General Store. Bud was the owner/operator of Garvey Sheet Metal for many years and later Garvey Lawn and Marine till 1963. He was then employed as the heating department manager at US Oil for 25 years. Mark Kerkhoff and Bud founded the Freedom Sanitary District #1 and he served as president for over 36 years. He designed and manufactured the Freedom Fuel Saver wood stove for Freedom Stove Company. Vance was a member of the American Legion Jacob Coppus Post #258, Little Chute; Freedom VFW Post #7692; The 95th Infantry Division Association and Fox Valley Golf Club. He was a former member of the Freedom Knights of Columbus, Freedom Lion’s Club and Freedom Fire Department. Bud loved to hunt, fish and golf and looked forward to the trips to Canada.

Bud is survived by his sons: Vance, Jr. (Pat) Garvey, Appleton and Thomas H. (fiancé Sherry Van Calster) Garvey, Howard; daughter: Judy Graf, Milwaukee; grandchildren: Micah Graf, Rebekah (Kevin) Beamon, Melissa and Joshua Graf; step-grandchildren: Robert (Jackie) Breese and Cory (Dave) Lambrecht; great-grandchildren: Adriana and Alayna Graf, Sofia Angelina Bratley and Marco Heredia; step-great-grandchildren: Ashley, Kenny and Jessie Breese and his “little buddies” Aaron and Reeve Lambrecht; brothers: Milo “Sonny” (Mary) Garvey, Appleton and Vernon (Elaine) Garvey, Appleteon; sisters: Alma Weyenberg, Little Chute and Shirley (Les) Giesen, Appleton; sisters-in-law: Bea Hopfensberger, Kaukauna and brother-in-law: Don (Ginger) Stuyvenverg, Kaukauna. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Vance was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Dolores Garvey, brothers: Lowell, Jerry (June) and Percy (Beverly) Garvey; sister: Alvera “Sis” (Joe) Romenesko; sisters-in-law: Tootie Garvey, Alice Garvey, Bernie (Don) Van Abel and Dorothy Stuyvenverg; brothers-in-law: Clarence Weyenberg, Irvin Hopfensberger and Melvin (Connie) Hopfensberger.

The funeral liturgy will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 28, 2007 at ST. NICHOLAS CATHOLIC CHURCH, Freedom with Fr. Dave Hoffman officiating. Burial will take place at the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Church on Wednesday from 2:30 p.m. until the time of mass. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Bud’s name.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Bud’s primary caregiver and niece, Jan DeKleyn for her excellent care and compassion. We were so blessed to have her dedicated service and companionship for Bud for many years. Thank you to Dr. Jack Anderson, Dr. James Mariano, and Dr. David Lenz for your wonderful care of Bud and lastly Dr. Robert Wilson for showing concern and empathy during his final days. Special thanks to Amy Hopfenspberger, RN and the staff at Appleton Medical Center 2 South. Lastly, thank you to Deacon Don Newhouse and Bill and Randy Conrad for all you have done.

Dad, we love you, you are at peace with mom in heaven. We will miss you!

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