| Notes |
- Eugene A. "Klink" Vandehey, of Appleton, formerly of Little Chute and Kaukauna, age 84, died Sunday May 6, 2012 at Grand Horizons. He was born August 24, 1927 in Kaukauna to the late Alfred and Theresa (Green) Vandehey. Having enough credits he opted to graduate from Kaukauna High School early and enlist. Klink proudly served in the Navy during World War II as a Navy Diver and was a member of the Kaukauna V.F.W. Post 3319. He married the former Donna Martell on September 18, 1948 at Holy Cross Parish. She preceded him in death on August 10, 1993 after almost 45 years of marriage.
Upon his return from World War II, Klink began working in the asphalt division at Thilmany Paper Mill. At the time of his retirement in 1988, he had worked himself up to the assistant superintendent of paper mill number 2. Klink served as the president of the Thilmany Management Club in 1978 and 1979. During this time, the club received the Excellence Award and the coveted Superior Award.
Klink was the self-proclaimed president of the Yampa Valley Hunting Club. Many friends & memories were created at the cottage in Fence, WI. He was a life member of the Countryside Golf Club and was a past president of the Kaukauna Athletic Club. He along with Tom Van Stiphout took on the challenge of coaching 3 of his daughters and their womens fast-pitch softball team in Kaukauna, and survived with many entertaining stories. At the age of 66 he was the oldest member of a three generation walk, Klink walked the Fox Cities Marathon with his son Mike and grandson Jay.
Klink was a true outdoorsman whether it was hunting up north in Fence or his annual trips out west in search of the mighty elk, antelope or mule deer, manicuring his lawn, tending his flower beds on Sue St., and most importantly golfing. He was an avid Brewers and Packer fan and looked forward to his annual Brewer trip for his birthday with Mike & Paula, Jack & Pat, Maddie & Drew.
Klink is survived by 5 daughters and 1 son and their families:
Jacque Vandehey of Little Chute and her children: Tammy Effa, Jay Effa and his daughter Skylar (Jays special friend Sarah Goffard and her children Summer and Landon), Cory Kersten (special friend Korrie Kraemer and her son Noah);
Susan Vandehey (Mark Tatro) of Tustin and their children: Chris (Brett) Terry (children: Robert, Alexa and Carley), Tara (Jason) Ellenbecker (children: Claire and Avery), Sara (Ryan) Keough (son Gannon), Shaena (Jamie) Van Handel (children: Taylor, Abbey, Hannah and Isabelle);
Pat (Jack) Van Hoof of Appleton and their children: Dawn (Scott) Franzke (son Clayton), Kelly (Jesse) Romenesko (children: Sophie and Molly);
Barb Deering of Plymouth and her children: Matt (special friend Sarah De Roo) and Nick (Sarah) Deering;
Nancy Vandehey of Appleton;
and
Mike (Paula) Vandehey of Appleton and their children Madison and Drew.
He is further survived by godchildren, nieces, nephews, many relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents and wife, Klink was preceded in death by his siblings: Roseanne (Joseph) Appleton, Milton (Florence), Glen (Marion) and Janet Vandehey. Mother and father-in-law Leo and Elisabeth Martell. Very good friends and hunting buddies Ernie Diedrich & Joe Diedrich.
Visitation will be held SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2012 at O'CONNELL FUNERAL HOME (1776 E. Main St. Little Chute) beginning at 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. with Chaplain Jordan Kuczwara officiating. Military rites conducted by the Kaukauna V.F.W. Post 3319 will immediately follow. Committal Holy Cross Cemetery. To sign the guestbook, visit www.oconnellfh.com.
Eugene's family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Grand Horizons as well as the Theda Care Hospice Team (Dr. Swanson, Suzi, Ida, Mary, Paul and Chaplain Jordan) for the compassionate care given to our family.
I will think of you when I pass this way
And I'll hold on to every memory made
I will think of you when the dawn breaks
I will think of you when the sun awakes
I'll look up high at the same blue sky
and I will think of you
I will think of you when the rain falls
& I'll drink to you when the night calls
And I hope you know, as I'm letting go
That I will think of you!
I am proud to tell the world that you
were my Grandpa!
Until we meet again .. Love you Dawn
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1927 - 2012 (84 years)
