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- April 8, 2008
VanRyzin, Jr., Phelan "Van"
Phelan, age 76, was born December 25, 1931, in Appleton, son of the late Phelan and Ruth (Lacy) VanRyzin. He married Magdalene "Maggie" Hartl, June 1974, sharing 33 years together. In 1947, he was the first student at Appleton High School to own a car. He was a stock car racer at Outagamie Speedway and he was the state Skiing High Jump Champion.
Van had a 30-year career as a master auto mechanic. He owned Arrow Auto Sales/Chrysler for 20 years. He sold the Chrysler rights to Russ Darrow and remained as service manager for the next 10 years. He was a licensed private detective with his own agency and security company. At the same time, he and his wife Maggie and his close family owned and operated "The Old Grog" of Menasha for over 10 years. He was a member of the Appleton Elks Club #337 and a 35-year member of Appleton Yacht Club. In retirement, he enjoyed NASCAR racing, the Packers, his family, home life and their companion dog, Angel.
He is survived by his wife Maggie; a son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Chris VanRyzin, Appleton; a daughter, Heather VanRyzin, Appleton; three stepdaughters and a son-in-law: Kathy Pawlowski, Appleton; Patricia and Wayne Martin, Appleton; Chris Tuchscherer, Menasha; a stepson and daughter-in-law, Michael and Dena Goetsch, Shawano; nine grandchildren: Richard Phelan Hoffman, Jay (Melissa) VanRyzin, Amanda VanRyzin, Angelica Pawlowski, Carrie Pawlowski, Andrew Tupper, Chadwick Goetsch, Jonathon Goetsch, and Michael Goetsch Jr.; four great-grandchildren: Austin Tupper; Cameron Goetsch, Devin Pawlowski and Blake Kieske; a sister, Gloria Burdick, Neenah.
He was preceded in death by his brother Jack and a brother-in-law, Lee Burdick.
A memorial service will be held 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, 2008, at the Brettschneider-Trettin-Lederer Funeral Chapel with Rev. Dennis Ryan officiating. Friends may call at the funeral chapel on Wednesday from 4 p.m. until the time of service. A memorial fund has been established.
The family would like to express a special thank you to St. Elizabeth Staff for the wonderful care Van received.
Brettschneider-
Trettin-Lederer
606 N. Oneida St.
Appleton 920-733-7383
www.btlfuneral.com
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