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- Leo V. Van De Yacht, 65, Suamico, passed away at Tender Hearts Assisted Living on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2011. He was born on Dec, 1, 1945, in Green Bay, to the late Bernard and Violetta (Marks) Van De Yacht. Leo attended grade school in Glenmore, completed three years in the Franciscan Monastery, and graduated from Pulaski High School. Leo was the second of twelve siblings and lived in the Howard-Suamico area most of his life. On Sept. 18, 1965, he married the former Mary Kimps at St. John the Baptist Church in Howard.
Leo was owner and operator of Leo Van De Yacht Well Drilling for 40 years. Together he and Mary worked in the family business, a business he truly loved and took great pride in. Leo was an active member of St. John the Baptist Parish where he was an usher for over 40 years, member of the Parish Council, former trustee, and president of the Home School Association. He was also a charter member and past president of the Howard-Suamico Optimist Club, director of the Brown County Home Builders Association, director of the Howard-Suamico Business Association, and member of the Wisconsin Water Well Association.
Leo cherished spending time at his cottage (Yacht's Landing) on Rost Lake with family and friends. It was a place where he loved to entertain and relax with pontoon rides, grilling dinners and watching beautiful sunsets. He and Mary enjoyed vacationing in Florida during the winter months, golfing with friends, cheering on the Packers, and taking his Harley for a ride. Leo's greatest love in life was his family and took so much pride in his children and grandchildren who brought him much joy and laughter. Leo had a great sense of humor and lived life to the fullest. His generosity was inspiring to all who knew him and he was always ready to lend a helping hand. Leo truly believed that in giving we receive as he unselfishly gave of his time, talent, and treasures.
Leo will be sadly missed by his wife, Mary of 46 years; his four children and their spouses, Lisa and Scott Ives, Suamico; Lori and Jay Feuerstein, Sussex; Troy and Traci Van De Yacht, Suamico; Eric and Tracy Van De Yacht, Suamico; his nine grandchildren, Tyler, Alex, Ryan, Grant, Burke, Travis, Sophia, Carson, Reese and a 10th grandchild due in February. He is also survived by three sisters, Diane (Chuck) Tappa, Dawn (Rick) Niemi, Donna (John) Thormann; seven brothers, Bill (Bernadine), Bob (Susie), Ken (Lyn), Nick (Amy), Gery (Carol), Kevin (Carol), and Bernie (Valerie); and a brother-in-law, Dennis Kabara. He is further survived by Mary's family, Donna (James) Simoens, Gary (Sally) Kimps, Roger (Star) Kimps, and Carol (Rick) Van Egeren; numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard "Dutch" and Vi Van De Yacht; a sister, Debbie Kabara; an infant sister, Mary Ann; a sister-in-law, Cindee Van De Yacht; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bernard and Luella Kimps; and a nephew, Gregory Kimps.
Friends may call at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2597 Glendale Ave., Howard, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Friday at the church with the Rev. John Bergstadt officiating. Entombment will be in the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum.
Blaney Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at Blaney Funeral Home.com.
A memorial fund has been established in Leo's name.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the entire staff at Tender Hearts Assisted Living, Angel's Touch Assisted Living, and Heartland Hospice, especially Dr. Richter, Heidi (our guardian angel) and Mike for all their wonderful care and friendship given to Leo during this journey. Also a special thank you to family and friends for your visits to Leo and all your prayers.
Published in Green Bay Press-Gazette from October 27 to October 28, 2011
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