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Jerome VanSistine Obituary
A true statesman, Senator Jerome VanSistine went to his eternal reward on January 20, 2015 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. He was born on August 16, 1926 to Alphonse and Everesta (LePine) VanSistine in Milwaukee. Jerry married Joan Kaufman, who preceded him in death in 1985. He later married Karen Bauknecht, who cared for him daily through his Alzheimer's journey. Jerry graduated from West De Pere High School and enlisted in the United States Navy. After serving his country for three years during World War II, he returned to school at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Jerry taught school for two years. He then moved back to the Green Bay area and went into the construction business and was a foreman for 25 years with Selmer Construction. It was at that time he became involved in a local zoning issue and decided to run for Ashwaubenon Town Supervisor. That was the beginning of a long career in politics that took him from Town Supervisor to County Supervisor, to State Senator and full circle back to his village as a trustee. It was his ability to compromise that enabled him to work with people on both sides of the issues to get the job done and garnered him many awards. However, his compassion for the underdog kept him involved after his political career as a volunteer serving as President of the Board of Syble Hopp School and an official for the Miracle League Baseball Teams. The Packers, Brewers, bingo and his dog, Drake, filled his life with joy between volunteer activities.
Jerry leaves behind his wife, Karen and three children, Kim (Mike) Vandenlangenberg, Dan (Cathy) VanSistine and Toni VanSistine; his grandchildren, Kacie (Kyle) Wilke, Chad (fiancée, Brittany), Robert and Mandie Zeise; several great-grandchildren, Sophia, Max and Lilah Wilke, Amani Williams and Kamara Zeise. He is further survived by his sister, Jean (Mark) Plummer and two brothers, Dave (Janet) and Don; sister and brother-in-laws, Sue (Bob) Dietrich, Sharon Bauknecht, Ed (Pam) Bauknecht, Frank (Chris) Bauknecht, Ellen (Mike) Gelhar, Joe (Sally) Bauknecht, Connie (Bauknecht) Martell, Mike Bauknecht and Steve (Linda) Bauknecht, sisters-in-law, Carol Van Lanen and Nancy (George) Sager and their children and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patricia; mother and father-in-law, Betty and Floyd Bauknecht and many other relatives and friends.
The family would like to thank the staff at Tender Hearts, Heartland Hospice, Gail LaPlant and her support group, Terry and the staff at the Cloud Family Center, Dr. Jason Wurth and home caregivers, Barb, Mary Margaret, Dan, Stacy and Renee.
Visitation will be held at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 2770 South Oneida Street, Saturday, January 24, 2014 from 9:00 am until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am with the Rev. Bob Rhyner officiating. Military Honors will follow. Interment will be at Fort Howard Memorial Park. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lyndahl.com. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jerry's name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jerome VanSistine
Suzanne Snethen
January 29, 2015
My prayers are with you and your family.
Lory Stoneburner
January 28, 2015
Karen, so sorry for your loss. I remember you when you were working with the handicapped. May God be with you during this troubled time in your life.
January 26, 2015
Karen:
We are currently in FL and were sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. Please know that we are holding you and your family in our prayers. I had a lot of respect and admiration for Jerry in my contact with him.
Deacon Larry & Doris Mastalish
William W Gamble
January 24, 2015
To All of Jerry's Family: It was a pleasure to have spent time over the years conversing with Jerry on many issues. Wisconsin has lost a Great American and Public Servant Thank You Jerry for Your Service to GOD and COUNTRY. Bill Gamble, Member; RollingThunderWI3.ORG.
January 24, 2015
Kim,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May this solemn time also be a time for reflecting and cherishing all of your wonderful family memories.
Janet Sarver
Ann Rice
January 24, 2015
We're so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing as he will be missed by many. Praise God he is with his Lord and you will be with him soon.
Ann & Tom Rice
Jim Last
January 24, 2015
Toni, Our Family sends Our thoughts and Prayers to You and your Family. We were very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing.
The Last Family
January 23, 2015
I went to school at Platteville with Jerry. We played some football together and rode back to De Pere with him several times. We meet him periodically over the years and always enjoyed Jerry's friendliness and wit. We will keep him in our thoughts and prayers. Clyde Romenesko' New Braunfels,TX
Shelly & Larry Sigl-Haas
January 23, 2015
Our family is sorry to hear of the loss of Jerry. He was a great friend to our parents, Roland and Gladys Sigl, and our whole family. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. We are sorry for your loss.
Claudia Nys
January 23, 2015
Karen, Know that you and Jerry's family are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. May you all feel the comforting love and presence of our Lord.
January 23, 2015
Jean and Art, So sorry for your loss. I don't have your address, I know it was Kellogg St. but Not the number. or phone number. This is the next best thing. Hope you both are doing well. My number is 544-5783. , Hugs, Jane Wentland.
Richard Buntrock
January 23, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Rick & Bonnie Buntrock
Doug Oitzinger
January 23, 2015
Dear Karen/Sharon: So sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. There are so many wonderful memories of Jerry working hard for Wisconsin and the communities he loved. He had a great heart and will be missed.
Stacy Reed
January 23, 2015
I am so deeply sad to hear of the passing of Jerry. I enjoyed all the time I spent with him and thought of you both( jerry & Karen) many times since. So sorry for your loss Karen and Jerrys whole family. Thinking of you all today.
Michael Plummer
January 22, 2015
Dear Kim, Dan and Toni
My sympathy to you and your families. Uncle Jerry was always so fun to be around during our family gatherings. Love Mike P.
January 22, 2015
Dear Karen, You have my heartfelt sympathy on your loss of Jerry. You were both so fortunate to have each other. He was even more fortunate to have you take care of him.
Your Elmore teaching buddy,
Nancy Boettcher
Nancy Boettcher
January 22, 2015
Dear Karen, You have my heartfelt sympathy on your loss of Jerry. You were both so fortunate to have each other. He was even more fortunate to have you taking care of him.
Your Elmore teaching buddy,
Nancy Boettcher
January 22, 2015
To the families of Kim, Danny, and Toni,
So sorry for your loss. I will always remember your dad with a smile on his face. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Julie (Curro) and Bob Idzikowski
Cath Chevalier
January 22, 2015
Toni,
Thinking of you and the entire VanSistine family. Hugs and prayers. Cathy.
January 22, 2015
Karen and family - our prayers are with you all.
Elaine Capelle & Family
Vicki Hoell
January 22, 2015
Kim and family, sending condolences and prayers for you all! He will be missed but, he left a great family legacy.
Randy Krause
January 22, 2015
Kim, my heart goes out to you and the family for your loss. May God Bless and be with you.
Bernice(BEE) Miller
January 21, 2015
I am so sorry about your father dying! My prayers and thoughts are with you!
January 21, 2015
Kim,Dan and Toni,
I'm sorry for the loss of your dad. Genuine, honest and sincere is what comes to mind. You can be proud.
Fondly, Jenny Halron Miller
Robin Jansen
January 21, 2015
So sorry Karen, Kim, Danny, Toni and family--I loved my "Uncle Jerry" and will cherish the memories. Hugs to all.
Ron, Kathy,Max Miller
January 21, 2015
Karen/Sharon/Family: Please accept our deepest condolences, Never knew Jerry, we know Karen and Sharon, you all knew this day was comming and I believe you were ready for it, however it still hurts. Remember, Jerry's suffering is over and is at peace.
Ron/Kathy Miller
also your furry friend,Max
Jerry's parents, children, Van Sistine nieces and nephews. Photo is property Dave & Jan Van Sistine.
Jannelle Van Sistine
January 21, 2015
Jerry in white blazer with his parents, Butch and Everesta, & sister, Patricia, on his right. Brothers, Dave and Don, and sister, Jean, on his left.
Jannelle Van Sistine
January 21, 2015
Jerry in back on left with Karen in front. Jerry's siblings, spouses and mother. About 1985. Original photo is property of Dave and Jan Van Sistine.
Jannelle Van Sistine
January 21, 2015
Jerry's parents with Grandchildren
Jannelle Van Sistine
January 21, 2015
Jerry in white jacket, parents: Butch and Everesta to his right
Jannelle Van Sistine
January 21, 2015
LuAnne Kraft
January 21, 2015
My heart goes out to the family. Jerry is now in a peaceful place. He raised such awesome children. They are such an awesome family and loving family. I am sure now that he is looking down on them his mind is at peace knowing his children and their families will all be fine. I have known them a lot of years and will always keep Jerry and his family in my prayers.
LuAnne Kraft
January 21, 2015
Karen and family, I know the Senator dealt with Alzheimer's disease for a number of years. I can only say how much I admire you for the care giving that requires.
Jerry was a compassionate and loyal friend for many years to my father, Roland Sigl. They spent many hours campaigning together.
Every time Jerry was considering buying a different car, he would come over to my folks house and have my dad see if he could comfortably fit in the passenger seat. Many times he helped my dad and mother such as helping my brothers put a roof on the folks house over 30 years ago, installing cable TV wiring etc.
My parents thought of Jerry as one of the greatest people they knew. Thanks for sharing him with my folks.
Andrew Sigl, White Bear Lake, MN
Mary Cuene
January 21, 2015
I first met Jerry in 1974, when he served on the Brown County Board of Supervisors and I was the clerical support for the Board. I immediately liked and respected him. His warm personality and generous spirt will always be remembered. My deepest sympathies.
Candy Van Rite
January 21, 2015
Jerry taught his children how to respect and love everyone and everything. He truly was an awesome dad! Kim, Danny and Toni my heart goes out to you, you lost a precious jem. May all the great memories he gave you bring you comfort at this time and always! Love you all and God bless!
Mary Nystrom-Webster
January 21, 2015
Karen, so sorry for your loss. It sure has been a crazy few years. Prayers sent for healing your heart.
Tom Tomaszewski
January 21, 2015
My family and I will forever be grateful for the encouragement, advice and support Jerry gave in our brief foray into public service. We are richer for his service and grateful for his friendship. I'm confident Jerry has already heard the words, " well done faithful servant."
January 21, 2015
Jerry was a great man!! His genorsity and compassion live on through his children, especially Kim and Toni who put their lives on hold to care for their father every single day without fail until the time he passed. He will be greatly missed!!
My sincere condolences
Julie Lentz
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