Roy Vandenberg

Roy Vandenberg - "Deke" - Passed away peacefully at Care Partners of Kaukauna after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. Deke was born to Sylvester “Fuzzy” Vandenberg and Barbara “Bob” (Peeters) Dec. 14, 1942, in the upstairs bedroom on Wilson Street in Little Chute. He was the youngest of five children. Deke spent a fun filled childhood with friends Nigs and Gates. He graduated from St. John High School and St. Norbert College with a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. He went on to a successful career in flexographic printing and packaging as a project engineer. Passionate about sports, Deke excelled as a multi-sport athlete, with numerous awards and accolades, eventually ending his career in semi-pro football with the Manitowoc Chiefs. After, he soaked up sports as a spectator of the Packers and Badgers. Deke discovered a love of fishing with his dad, Fuzzy, and loved this time with his sons and grandchildren. Truly, though, Deke’s faith was the driving force throughout his life, with daily prayer and devotion to the Lord. His faith was born in the Catholic church and grew through the charismatic renewal and the ministries of Bill and Bob Lenz. Deke adored his wife of 58 years, Sharee. Together they made their family the centerpiece of their lives. Deke is survived by his wife: Sharee (Hayes); children: Doug (Stacey), Connie (Mark) Brittnacher and Greg (Erin); grandchildren: Nate (Katie), Ben (LeeAnna), Jonah, Tessa (Ryan) Veldman, Sam (Elizabeth), Joe (Lindsay), Pam (Jake) McClaire, Sara (Kyle) Bowers, Allison (Noah) Schmidt, Libby and Logan; great-grandchildren: Meyah, Lilly, Neveah, Ethan, Ava, Miles, and Elliot; sisters-in-law: Judy (Dennis) Santi and Connie Hayes; brother-in-law: Richard Hoffman; in-law step siblings: Jerry and Barb Herb and Jack and Kathy Herb; Godchildren: Joe Friedman, Carolyn Olson and Peter Leitermann; and numerous nieces and nephews. Deke was preceded in death by his infant brother: Mark; his parents; in-laws: Beverly and Esther (Horn) Hayes; and Hildegard “Curly” (Herb) Hayes; siblings: Robert (Yvonne), Jean (Norbert) Leitermann, Marian (Robert) Pickett, Lee (Donna) Hayes, Patsy Hoffman; and dear friend: Tom Novak. Deke’s legacy is one of kindness, generosity, and simplicity. He genuinely loved and respected everyone who crossed his path. The memorial service for Deke was held Sept. 27 at the Verkuilen Van Deuzen Family Funeral Home, 101 Canal St., Little Chute. For online condolences please visit www.verkuilenfh.com. We would like to thank Kim Romenesko of the Kaukauna Clinic, Emily Moon of Bluestone Physicians, and the whole staff at Care Partners, especially Sherry, Brittany, Fran and Cheryl. In lieu of flowers please consider honoring Deke’s generosity by giving to his two favorite charities: U.S. Venture Open usventureopen.com/ or Life Promotions lifepromotions.org/.

VERKUILEN VAN DEURZEN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 101 Canal Street, Little Chute, 920-788-3321, www.verkuilenfh.com