John VanDeHey, 84, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025. He was born in Kaukauna on June 28, 1941, to Parents Elmer and Mildred VanDeHey.
He was raised in Kaukauna and graduated from Kaukauna High School. John was always proud of his time in the Army Reserves and being a journeyman molder at Roloff Manufacturing. While still in his early 20’s, he went to work at Metropolitan Life and continued his career there, moving several times and holding multiple positions. John married Hope Goetzman in 1963 and together they raised 3 children.
John was fortunate enough to retire at 55. His retirement years were his happiest. Traveling and spending time at his home on Winslow Lake – the home he helped build. But his happiest moments were those spent with Hope, his children, grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Hope, children Paige (Jeff) Quigley, Scott (Barb) VanDeHey, and Aimee (Chad) Knaus; his 7 grandchildren: Lauren Quigley, Johnathan Quigley, Morgan (Brandon) Volkman, Melissa (Nick) Hahn, Michael VanDeHey, Matthew Froze, and Mitchell Froze; and great grandchildren James and Lila; siblings Ron (Janet) VanDeHey, Patti (Karl) Mueller; brother-in-law and friend Lance Goetzman, sisters-in-law Sue (Lee) Jacques and Lynn Hunter.
John is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Robert and LaVerne Goetzman, brother-in-law Tom DeCoster and special sister-in-law Donna Goetzman.
Anyone who knew John knew what his life was all about – live, love, laugh! He will be greatly missed by many.
The family would like to thank all the people at St. Paul who took such good care of John while he was there and made us feel a part of the St. Paul “family”.
Per John’s wishes, the family will have a private Mass and celebration of his life at a later time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
400 West Wisconsin Avenue, Kaukauna, WI 54130
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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