Vincent Ste. Marie

Vince Ste. Marie, age 81, was called to eternal life on January 21, 2011, and is now playing golf with both arms and walking with both legs. Vince was born in Milwaukee on August 8, 1929, son of the late Vance and Marion (Laciecki) Ste. Marie. He attended St. Augustine’s grade school, Marquette High School, and was a graduate of Notre Dame University. While at Notre Dame, Vince played football under Coach Frank Leahy until a hip injury forced him to stop playing. Vince graduated from Notre Dame on June 2, 1951, and only a week later married his college sweetheart, Joanne Kohl on June 9. On August 1 of 1951, Vince entered his service to his country and served as a Military Police Officer until 1953. During this time, he coached a football team that traveled all over Europe. Upon his return to the states, he taught and coached at St. Mary’s High School in Menasha, started the physical education program at St. Philomena’s in Chicago, and coached and taught at Oconto High School. In 1962, he opened his own State Farm Insurance agency in Appleton. While working for State Farm, he was helped out by his daughter and best buddy, Terri Jo.

Vince is survived by his wife Joanne, five children, three grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and a brother. He was preceded in death by his parents Vance and Marion (Laciecki) Ste. Marie, and by Joanne’s parents Joseph and Theresa (Niewenhuis) Kohl.

The memorial funeral liturgy for Vince will be held at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, January 25, 2011 at SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH, 222 E. Fremont Street in Appleton, with Fr. William Rickert officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM, and again at the church on Tuesday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Vince’s name is being established.

The family would like to thank everyone at the Wound Center at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Green Bay as well as the staff at the Appleton Medical Center. Your care and kindness will never be forgotten by our grateful family.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920 739-1231