William F. Van Stappen

Appleton - William “Bill” Van Stappen, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Friday June 29, 2018 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center. He was born in Chicago, IL on September 15, 1939, son of the late Francis and Margaret (Stein) Van Stappen. Bill married the love of his life, Nancy Vander Heyden on September 27, 1958.

Bill enjoyed working at Miller Electric for over 35 years, retiring in 1995.  Bill served his country in the U.S. Navy.  He was a member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church.  Bill and Nancy were snowbirds and enjoyed spending the winter months in Florida for over 20 years.  He loved driving his pontoon boat, swimming, and the sunshine. Some of his favorite times were spent in his back yard swimming in his pool with family and friends.  Bill and Nancy loved to travel, go on cruises, and gamble for fun.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Nancy; their three children: Betsy (Scott) Rusch, Menasha, William (fiancée Tammy Longsine), Mackville and Teri (Pete) Verbeten, Mackville; seven grandchildren: Adam (Sara) Clark, Jeremie (Emily) Clark, Matthew (Nicole) Clark, Amber (Gary) Herzfeldt, Peter (Quiana) Verbeten, David and Lacey Van Stappen: 14 great grandchildren: Gavin, Ashton, Kayla, Brady, Kennedy, Owen, Devon, Giuliana, Miles, Trip, Sophie, Axel, Tahlia, and Jocelynn; and a brother, Ralph (Terry) Vannett, Appleton. He was further preceded in death by three brothers and two sister in-law: Freddie Van Stappen, Lamar and Denny Vannett and Frank and Theresa Van Stappen.

A sincere Thank You to The Heritage nursing home staff.  Your kindness, compassion and respect toward Dad was truly appreciated.  You are all angels.  Dad always loved seeing your smiling faces.

Dad - We’ll always remember that special smile, that caring heart, that warm embrace, you always gave us.  You being there for Mom and us, through good and bad times, no matter what.  We’ll always remember you Dad because there will never be another one to replace you in our hearts, and the love we will always have for you.

Mass of Christian burial to celebrate Bill’s life will be 11:00 AM on Friday July 6, 2018 at ST. THOMAS MORE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1810 N McDonald, Appleton with Fr, Jim Lucas officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday Morning beginning at 9:00 until 10:45, with Mass to follow at 11:00 AM.

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