| Notes |
- Raymond J. Biesterveld, Freedom, age 74, died Monday, January 31, 2011, at Cherry Meadows. He was born on June 10, 1936, in Appleton to the late George and Alegonda (VandeLeygraaf) Biesterveld. On January 18, 1958, Ray married Elizabeth "Liz" Kessler at Holy Cross Parish in Kaukauna. Ray loved campfires, golf, time up north, motorcycle rides, traveling, model trains and spending time with family and friends. He was a handy man who enjoyed a challenge and sought to fix or modify just about everything. He was a man with talented hands whose craftsmanship adorns the homes of many throughout the valley. Ray served his country in the United States Navy. He was the secretary of the Senior Men's League at Irish Waters and a member of the Freedom Lions.
Ray is survived by his wife of 53 years, Liz "Tootie"; children: Lori (Mike) Ehlert, Appleton; Paul (Jean), Little Chute; Mary (Karl) Vandenberg, Little Chute; Joan (Jeff) Van Grinsven, Little Chute; Jim (Maria), Appleton; Dan (Nani), Woodbury, MN; and Jean (Dave) Pynenberg, Appleton; grandchildren: Nick and Emily Ehlert, Amy, Abby and Jodi Biesterveld, Luke and Adam Vandenberg, Leah (fiance Jeremy Wendel), Jill, Pete and Jon Van Grinsven, Matthew and Ellen Biesterveld, Laura and Jack Biesterveld, Michael, Nolan, Daniel and Joseph Pynenberg; great-grandchildren: Rachel, Myles and Caradee; sisters: Therese (Ron) Coenen, Ann Fleming and Rosemary Kramer; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Carl (Grace) Kessler, Bill (Donna) Kessler, Joe (Judy) Van Krey, George (Pat) Kessler, Dave Coenen and Chris (Rob) Wierzbinski. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his sister Joyce Biesterveld; father- and mother-in-law Carl and Elizabeth Kessler; and brothers- and sisters-in-law: Gerald Fleming, Ed Kramer, Mary Van Krey and Jo Ann Coenen.
Visitation will be held Thursday February 3, 2011 at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 S. Pine St., Little Chute) beginning at 1 p.m. until time of Mass at 5 p.m. The Rev. David Hoffmann will officiate with Deacon Don Newhouse assisting. Committal St. John Cemetery. For online condolences, please visit
www.oconnellfh.com
Special thanks to Fox Valley Hematology and Oncology, especially Dr. Goggins and Dr. Swanson and their staff as well as all those who cared for Ray through ThedaCare Hospice and at Cherry Meadows.
O'CONNELL
FUNERAL HOME
201 E. Main Street
Little Chute 920-788-6237
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1936 - 2011 (74 years)
