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- Peter Martin John Van Lankvelt, Little Chute, age 91, died Sunday May 2, 2010, at Appleton Retirement Community. He was born in Little Chute on January 16, 1919, to the late Jon and Hattie Van Lankvelt. Prior to his marriage and right after high school Peter served his country before WWII and throughout the entire war in the Pacific. He talked about serving in Australia and New Guinea along with other various Pacific islands. He ended up his military career as a Pharmacy Assistant with the rank of sergeant. Peter never talked about the war, except for the good times he spent with friends he had made. He was a member of the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258 for over 65 years.
Peter married Lorraine Vanden Boogart October 27, 1945 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, where he was a lifelong member. Lorraine preceded him in death May 28, 2007 after 61 years of marriage. Peter was a Roll line inspector at the Kimberly Mill from 1940 through 1971. Within that time there was a layoff, and he held many part-time jobs. Some of them included working in the beer depot, for Frank Reynebeau, painting houses, being a mail carrier, and delivering newspapers. He loved to work, and talk about it. In his life Peter enjoyed playing football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, fishing, puzzles, reading, walking, being with his dogs, crosswords, tasting fresh food, and telling stories, or just talking. Most of all Peter enjoyed and got a "kick" out of his wife Lorraine!
Peter is survived by: one son Gary, and wife MaryBeth and their children Erik and his wife Jessica Grant, and Alison Van Lankvelt, And four daughters: Nancy and husband Jerry Schoepel, Gail and husband Mike Berken and their children Craig, and his children Amanda and Cory Berken, and Gail and Mike's son Aaron Berken and his daughter Taylor Watermolen, and very special friend Heather Polan. Vicki and husband Paul Trader and their son Jason, his wife Alissa and their son Connor Trader. Conni and husband Tony Dorin and their two children Alex and Crystal Dorin. Peter is also survived by four sisters Angela Campbell, Francis Van Nuland, Margret Depies, and Dorothy Lamers and their husbands, and two sister in-laws, Shirley Van Lankvelt and Janet Van Lankvelt.
Peter was preceded in death by his parents John and Hattie Van Lankvelt, and by his loving wife and life partner of 61 years Lorraine (VandenBoogart) Van Lankvelt. Peter also lost his three brothers Henry, Bernard, and Phillip Van Lankvelt.
Visitation will be held Wednesday May 5, 2010, beginning at 3 p.m. until time of Mass at 5 p.m. at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 S. Pine St. Little Chute). The Rev. David J. Funk, O.F.M. Cap. will officiate. Military rites conducted by the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258 will immediately follow. Committal St. John Cemetery. A memorial is being established in Peter's name. For on-line condolences, please visit www.oconnellfh.com.
Peter will truly be missed by everyone who knew him. He was as positive and friendly a guy that you could ever meet. The family wants to be sure to thank all those who have made a difference in his life: first of all his entire family especially his brothers and sisters and all the in-laws, his neighbors from the Johnson Street and Adams Way areas (if you've never lived in Little Chute, the neighbors are like family there). Special thanks go to all the staff at the Appleton Retirement Community and the Heartland Hospice who was ever so vigilant and protective of Peter and his family during his time of need.
O'CONNELL
FUNERAL HOME
201 E. Main Street
Little Chute
920-788-6237
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