William P. Van Wychen

William P. Van Wychen, age 89, of Kaukauna, passed away on Sunday, November 13, 2016. He was born on December 14, 1926 in the town of Kaukauna to the late Henry and Anna (Stiljes) Van Wychen. William proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy; shortly after World War II. After his discharge for the Navy, William married the love of his life, Bernice Ambrosius, on October 28, 1948 at St. Boniface Catholic Church. Together they were blessed with four daughters, Joyce, Janice, Joanne and Judy. He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, where he faithfully attended mass at 4:30 on Saturdays.

After thirty-nine years William retired from Thilmany in 1988. William was a skilled carpenter and for many years he and his brother Rich built houses together. It wasn't out of the ordinary to be riding along with William and for him to point out a house that they built. For many years William and his brothers went on their annual hunting trip to their cabin in Athelstane. William enjoyed deer, duck and rabbit hunting. He would also find time to fish whenever possible. Above all he valued his time spent with his family. The summer trips to Crooked Lake and being able to watch his grandkids events were some of his most favorite.

He is survived by his three daughters: Joyce (Richard) Smudde of Kaukauna, Janice (Marvin) Wiedenhaupt of Kaukauna and Joanne (Greg) Felton of Appleton; seven grandchildren: Michelle (Jeff) Huss, Jeff (Denise) Smudde, Lori (Kristopher) Ott, Craig (Sarah) Wiedenhaupt, Amber (Bret) Lewis, Alexandria Felton and Camille (Isaac Schuetz) Felton; ten great-grandchildren: Aubrey and Sophie Huss, Kayla and Paige Smudde, Jack and Henry Lewis, Lily and Emma Wiedenhaupt, Olivia and Grant Ott. He is further survived by three brothers: Tony (Lillian) Van Wychen, Rich (Betty) Van Wychen and Mel (Lorna Hamilton) Van Wychen; four sisters-in-law: Edna Van Wychen, Carol (Dick) Peters, Mickey Ambrosius and Germaine Ambrosius as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.

In addition to his parents, William was preceded in death by his wife Bernice on March 2, 2015; daughter Judy Van Wychen; four brothers: Peter (Hattie), Norbert (Eileen), John (Hattie) and Jerry, as well as his sister-in-law Millie Van Wychen.

Due to construction at his home church of Holy Cross, the funeral liturgy will be held on Friday, November 18, 2016 at 11:30 am at St. Katharine Drexel Parish-St. Mary Site, 119 W. Seventh Street in Kaukauna. Visitation will take place the night before on Thursday, November 17, 2016 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Fargo Funeral Home, 400 W. Wisconsin Avenue in Kaukauna. Visitation will resume at church starting at 10:00 AM until the time of service. Military honors will follow the funeral service. Interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in William's name.