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- Martin J. Van Heeswyk, age 84, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family and faithful furry friend Libby, on July 12, 2013. He was born on August 27, 1928 in Kimberly, the son of the late Martin and Elizabeth (Smaxwell) Van Heeswyk. Martin joined the Army in 1947 and proudly served our country in the Korean War. After four bouts of malaria, he was honorably discharged in 1951. He was united in marriage to Lou Rochon on April 23, 1951, in Kaukauna and their marriage was blessed with four children. Martin worked for Kimberly-Clark Papermill for 41 years and was a proud member of the VFW and American Legion.
Martin loved to travel. He had a passion for gardening and was an avid fisherman. He loved family reunions and being surrounded by family. He enjoyed living the "fountain of youth" with Lou at Sun-N-Fun Retirement Village in Sarasota, Florida; and later cared tenderly for her as they battled her colon cancer until she was called home. Martin continued to travel and was always a very hard worker, trying his hand at many jobs from casino worker to amusement park worker! His most rewarding job was being "dad" raising his children, and guiding his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He finally settled in (but didn't settle down) at Turtle Creek Campground in Homosassa, Florida. The stories he would tell of his adventures there! His stories and his great sense of humor will always be remembered and cherished.
Martin is survived by his four children: Linda (the late Greg) Du Frane, Darlene (Greg) Maulick, Mike (Carol) Van Heeswyk, and Paula (Dave) Almy; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Chad (Robyn) Du Frane and their children Tyler, Brennan and Connor; Jennifer (Tony) Reinke and their children Tia and Trevor; Michele (special friend Scott Andresen) Conard and her son Jacob; Diane (Andy) Huebner and their children Luci and Thea; Duane Biesterveld; Dana Parker and her children Lexus and Alex; Adam (Melanie) Maulick and their children Logan, Jada and Mallorie; Justin (Jessica) Maulick and their daughter Brooklyn; Sara (significant other Zack Wagner) Van Heeswyk, Steven (special friend Kashi) Van Heeswyk, Kali Walczak, David Van Stappen, Courtney (special friend Ryan Krull) Almy, and Nathan Almy. One brother, Johnny (Jackie) Van Heeswyk; two sisters, Pat Brown and Karen Van Heeswyk, brother-in-law, Jerome (Rita) Rochon, and two sisters-in-law, Virginia Rochon and Audrey Van Heeswyk. Martin is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other dear relatives and many friends including those in Florida. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lou on October 16, 1996; son-in-law, Greg Du Frane, two brothers, George (Martha) and Robert Van Heeswyk, three sisters, Ann (Bart) Dollevoet, Betty Wolfinger, and Mary (Marvin) Effertz, and parents-in-law, William and Mamie Rochon.
A military service will be held on his birthday, August 27, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. Martin's wishes were to be cremated and to be inurned next to his wife at Highland Memorial Park.
The family would like to thank Theda Care at Home Hospice and their staff, especially Marilyn, for all their care, comfort and support that was given to us and Martin during his last breath. Your kindness will never be forgotten. The family would also like to thank Dignity Memorial and Martens-Laemmrich Funeral Home for their help and compassion.
Thank you Dad for your unconditional love and guidance. Your wisdom taught us the meaning of life. Love you always- Linda, Darlene, Mike and Paula
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