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- March 18, 2008
Vander Velden, Robert A. "Bob"
Robert A. Vander Velden, Greenville, age 91, died Saturday, March 15, 2008, at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Bob was born in Little Chute on December 25, 1916, to the late George and Lillian (Boes) Vander Velden. On June 16, 1938, he married Virginia Schmit at Zion Lutheran Church, where he was a member. She preceded him in death October 17, 1989, after 51 years of marriage. Bob operated Bob's Inn in Appleton for 37 years. Upon retirement, he moved to Greenville.
Bob was a great sportsman. Through the years, he caught over 1000 muskies, 11 of which were over 40 pounds. He invented and patented the Bobbie Bait in 1940 and the Bob Tail in 1987. Many of his baits have been used to break state records, including the record for Muskie. At the age of 91, Bob still consulted for other lure manufacturers. Bob also loved to hunt and didn't let his age get in the way of a successful hunt. Even in his late eighties, he was shooting bucks with his bow. He also shot several bear with his bow and 2 while gun hunting.
Bob is survived by two sisters: Ruth Rhodes, De Pere; Mercedes Chartier, Appleton; two sisters-in-law: Gladys Buxton and Doris Vander Velden, both of Appleton; and special friends: Nancy Grant and Mark Nemec. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife and parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brother, Harold Vander Velden; sisters: Mabel (Gordon) Breier, Evylen (Jack) Lex and Loretta (O'Neil) Rochon; brothers-in-law: Henry Reese, Richard Buxton, Kenneth (Jean) Schmit, Robert (Margaret) Schmit and Raymond Chartier.
Visitation will begin Wednesday, March 19, 2008, at 9 a.m. until the time of funeral at 11 a.m. at ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH (912 N. Oneida, Appleton). The Rev. Wendy Wirth-Brock will officiate. Committal Highland Memorial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fox Valley Humane Association.
Bob's family would like to extend their gratitude to Bob's neighbor, Jeff, who spent many hours with him and the visiting nurse that came to his home. They would also like to thank the staff at St. Elizabeth Hospital and Dr. Carl Rasmussen for the care given to Bob.
O'CONNELL FUNERAL SERVICES
2020 E. Main Street
Little Chute 920-759-2951
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1916 - 2008 (91 years)