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- Robert J. Zeegers "Bob" Died peacefully in his home on Thursday, June 1, 2000, following a four-year battle with aplastic anemia. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Germaine ("Gerrie") Van Dreel-Zeegers his son Jim (Pat) Zeegers, Appleton his daughter, Marilyn (Tom) Zeegers-Byczek, Gambrills, Maryland and his daughter-in-law, Debbie (Dave) Hanson-Zeegers, Appleton. Bob is also survived by four grandchildren: Cori (Steve) Zeegers-King, Kelly (Chad) Zeegers-Wolf, Ross Byczek and Anna Byczek and one great-grandchild, Samuel James King. Bob has two surviving siblings: Joseph (Kathryn) Zeegers, Florida and Dolores (Vincent) DeFelice, Massachusetts. Bob was preceded in death by two sons: David Robert Zeegers and John Anthony Zeegers, and a grandson, Eric David Zeegers. Bob attended Holy Name Grade School in Kimberly, followed by four years at Kimberly High School, graduating with the class of 1942. He then joined the Army, serving honorably in the European Theater during WWII. Bob was awarded the "American Theater Ribbon" and the "European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon" with three bronze battle stars in addition to the "victory" and "good conduct" medals. Following his honorable discharge from the Army in 1946, Bob and Gerrie moved to their current home at 1881 Beck Street, in the Palisades. Bob worked for 37 years at the Kimberly-Clark Lakeview Division Mill in Neenah, retiring in 1985. He was a member of the Kimberly Clark Century Club. Following retirement, Bob and his wife, Gerrie enjoyed an active lifestyle of tandem bike riding, polka dancing and long-distance walking. Before his illness's onset in 1996, Bob and Gerrie were members of two polka clubs they've kept in touch with their polka buddies through the "We Love to Dance Club" newsletter (Phyllis Gerharts, editor) and the "Fox Valley polka Review" (Arl Brooks, editor). Bob and Gerri loved their long walks together, and were so fit that they completed the 26.5 mile Appleton Marathon in 1994. Even after his illness restricted his physical activities, Bob continued to enjoy his hobbies: woodworking, collecting and listening to polka and big band music. Bob had a life-long love of music, playing the trombone in high school and in the U. S. Army Field Band. He was also a fine singer, and he and Gerrie were members of the Menasha Senior Center Sunshine Sing-a-Long singers for nine years. Having just celebrated Memorial Day, it should be noted that Bob was a proud and active "Life Member" of both the Appleton V.F.W. Post 2778 and the Appleton American Legion Post 38. Bob (Dad) you will be missed more than words can express. We hope and pray that God has given you that new car you always wanted, and that you are having a grand old time driving Dave, John and Eric all over heaven. Bob's family would like to express its profound gratitude to the wonderful staff at the Appleton DVA Clinic, who cared for him for four years and also to the Theda Care at Home Hospice organization (especially Chris DeDecker Johnson), based in Neenah, Wisconsin- you are truly angels doing God's work on Earth. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 3, 2000 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 404 W. Lawrence Street, Appleton, with Father John Holly officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. VALLEY FUNERAL HOME 2211 N. RICHMOND ST 733-5435 *Serving as would be Served*
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1921 - 2000 (78 years)
