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- Joseph A. Van Handel
Age 92, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, at his home with loved ones by his side. Joe was born on November 5, 1908, in the Town of Vandenbrook, Wisconsin; the son of Arnold and Lena Van Handel. On September 26, 1933, Joe married Harriet Hietpas, sharing 67 happy, loving years.
Joe worked as many occupations prior to owning his own dairy farm in the Town of Grand Chute, where he farmed until 1966. He went into semi-retirement in a home he and Harriet built in Greenville. He resided there until his death. During this time, he enjoyed helping his son, Glenn, on his farm. He was an active member of the Greenville Civics Club serving six years as president. Joe was always an active member of the community. He served as a volunteer fire chief in the Town of Harrison and as town constable.
Faith was an important part of his life. He was an active member of St. Edward's Mackville and then St. Bernard Parish, Appleton. Family was always important to Joe. His most treasured times were those spend with family gathered around him.
Joe is survived by his wife, Harriet, and children: Robert (Millie), Leone (Bill) Benner, Sr. Jolene OP, Jerome (Phyllis), Judy, Bev (Jerry) Gartzke, and Glenn (Mary). He is further survived by 25 grandchildren: Lynn Wilson, Ginger (Gary) Kerkhoff, Julie Van Handel, Laurie (Bob) Wolff, Bob Van Handel, Terry (Marlene) Gerrits, Paula (Steve) Weyers, Colleen (Richard) Poquette, Jolene (Mark) Waldburger, Mark (Claire) Gerrits, Kristine, Lisa, Todd (Teresa), Andy and Jessica Van Handel, Shawn, Jenny, Chad, and Jeff Gartzke, Scot (Char) Van Handel, Jamie (Travis) Beyersdorf, Joe, Michelle, Stephanie, and Ryan Van Handel. He is also survived by 12 great grandchildren: Josh and Matt Wilson, Rick and Sarah Poquette, Lindsay Wolff, Brooke Weyers, Tim and Derek Waldburger, Wyatt and Garret Van Handel, and Mattison and Kennedy Beyersdorf; two step great grandchildren: Justin and Michael, and a great great grandchild, Madison Surgenor. He is survived by three brothers: Theodore, John (Mary) and Hank, and sisters: Josephine Evers, Gertrude Verkuilen and Margaret Phillips, and sisters-in-law: Lorraine Van Handel and Helen Hietpas. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Lena Van Handel, his brother, Edward and infant brother, Henry; and sister, Mary (Joe) Van Handel, grandchildren: Steven and Michael Van Handel and great grandchild, Josephine Van Handel. He was also preceded in death by in-laws: Minnie (John) Evers, John (Liz) Cornelius (Ann), George (Lill), Henry (Gertrude), Sebastian, Pete (Minnie), Annie and William Hietpas, Lee and Elizabeth Van Handel, Frank Evers and Sylvester Phillips.
The Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 9, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 1617 W. Pine St., Appleton, Wisconsin with the Rev. John Bergstadt and Rev. Jerome Singer concelebrating. Interment will be at St. John's Cemetery in Little Chute. Friends may call at the Valley Funeral Home from 4-8 p.m. Friday, December 8, and at the church from 9:30 a.m. Saturday to the time of service. A memorial service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Dad's caregivers, Barbara Kaun, Julie Gregurich, Becky Kuettel, and Susan Smith as well as the dedicated hospice workers Jim Quick, St. Regine, Gina, Sandy and Shelby whose caring help allowed us to keep Dad at home through his illness. A memorial fund has been established by the family for Hospice and the National Parkinson's Foundation.
God saw he was getting tired, And a care was not to be, So He put His arms around him, And whispered "Come with me"
With tearful eyes we watched him suffer, and saw him fade away. And though we loved him dearly We could not make him stay.
A golden heart stopped beating, Hard-working hands to rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best.
We love you, Dad
Valley Funeral Home 2211 N. Richmond Street *Serving as would be Served*
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1908 - 2000 (92 years)
