 | Obituary
Michael John Van Asten, age 68, Kimberly, passed away on November 27, 2021 following a five month battle with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare brain disease. Mike was born on June 22, 1953 to Bonnie (Verhagen) and Arthur W Van Asten. He attended St John Grade & High School. Mike & Lynn began dating in high school, and 8 years later on September 3, 1977 were married at St John Nepomucene Catholic Church in Little Chute.
Mike was a life-long member of St John’s. He was on numerous committees, including 10 years as head of the Renovation Committee that resulted in the new wing, and updating the existing church. He was also a member of the Cornerstone Choir, being one of the few, but mighty basses. Over the past couple of years, he began writing songs, and having them set to music with harmonies. In 2021 he was very proud to have copyrighted four of his songs. The choir missed his deep voice, but he missed his choir family just as much through the covid year, and this year with his illness.
Mike had a long and successful career in Marketing and Sales, working for several different companies over the years, and even running his own advertising agency for 15 years. His words were quick and witty, and he often delighted the grandchildren with his “grandpa-isms”. As they began repeating some of those back to him, he’d say “you learn well, grasshopper.”
Surviving polio as a child, Mike had to wear a leg brace throughout grade school. One day he came home from school and threw the brace in the closet and told his mom he wasn’t wearing that anymore. From then on, he led a very active life including racquetball, golfing, biking, and hiking, and over 50 years of basketball. Since his retirement in 2019, Mike enjoyed trying new things such as pickle ball and wood working. Each of the grandchildren received a hand-carved fish or animal this year as a product of his creativity. Over the years, many family vacations were taken, including cruises, numerous trips to the cottage and a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Punta Cana. He so enjoyed watching everyone fish, swim, and just generally have a great time. He was always preaching “be careful but have fun”. He was so proud of all of them.
He will be greatly missed by his wife Lynn; children: Christopher (Jennifer) Van Asten, Greenville and Sarah (Cory) Remmel, Town of Harrison; grandchildren Miles, Pearce and Teage Van Asten; and Jolyn & Andilee Remmel. Mike is further survived by his siblings: Mary (Tim) Schultz, Little Chute; Jeff (Maria) Van Asten, Menasha; and Connie Van Asten (Waupaca). Lynn's siblings: Diane (Dave) Oliver, Appleton; Steve (Lori) Andres, Little Chute and Peter (Lynn) Andres, Kaukauna. Mike is further survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Bonnie & Art; his brother, Rick; his nephew Jesse Schultz; his in-laws Dave & Shirley Andres.
Visitation for Mike will be held Thursday, December 2, 2021 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church (411 Vandenbroek St, Little Chute) from 1:00 until time of Mass at 4:00 pm. The Rev. Ron Belitz will officiate. Burial will be in St John Cemetery. For the protection of our family and friends, we ask that masks be worn at all times.
We would like to thank all the wonderful doctors, nurses, PT & OT people at Theda Care-Neenah who tried to find cures, or ways to stop the spread of this disease. Also, his CNA and nurses from Theda Care at Home Hospice who had genuine kindness and concern for him. We appreciate you all!
Mike, my heart breaks as I lose my partner who has been with me almost my entire life. This is not how I envisioned our retirement years. You have been there for me in all things, and I will have a hard time figuring out the rest of my life without you. But especially seeing you this past week, I was so grateful that you were blessed with death from this earth, and a new life in heaven free from PML. Love you always, Lynn |
1953 - 2021 (68 years)
