Hans J. Vetter

1935 - 2020

Hans J. Vetter

Stevens Point - After a long and well-lived life, Herman (Hans) J. Vetter, 84, died peacefully on Sunday, February 16, 2020.

The oldest son of Herman (Buzz) and Dorothy Vetter, Hans was born October 8, 1935, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. He attended P.J. Jacobs High School and Saint Thomas University in St. Paul, MN. From his earliest days, Hans was known for his kindness to all, sense of humor, athletic prowess, love of Packer football and the ability to turn every stranger into a friend.

He married his high school sweetheart, Jacqueline Dell Viertel, in 1957 and had three children. He lost Jackie to cancer in 1977. Fortunately, Hans was a blessed man who found love again with Sherri Schwartz. They were married for 40 years, building a Brady Bunch life with their combined six children.

Hans was an owner and executive vice president of Vetter Manufacturing, a nationally recognized producer of wood windows and patio doors. Started by his grandfather in 1893, Vetter Manufacturing was a cornerstone of Stevens Point for more than 100 years.

Following the sale of the company, Hans was a real estate broker and co-owner of Subway franchises. One of his favorite jobs occurred during his retirement when he drove a school bus for Stevens Point schools. He also was a member of The Issac Walton League, The Hot Shot Club, The Elks Club, The Kiwanis Club, St. Stephen's Liturgical Council and the Stevens Point Country Club.

Hans leaves a legacy of support for a variety of volunteer and healthcare organizations, including the Special Olympics and the Boy Scouts. He was a board member for the St. Michael's Foundation, Portage County American Red Cross and United Way of Portage Country.

In 2014, after seeing the devastating effects Alzheimer's can have on families and caregivers, Hans and Sherri established the Vetter Family Alzheimer's Endowment in honor of his two sisters who suffered from the disease.

One of Hans' proudest accomplishments was facilitating the Vetter Drive street naming in October 2019. Located in the Crossroad Commons Business Park, Hans viewed Vetter Drive as a testament to the Vetter family legacy and their commitment to Stevens Point, as well as to all the employees who made Vetter Manufacturing one of the nation's most respected window and patio door companies.

Hans was a life-long athlete who received All-Conference and All-State recognition playing on the undefeated and #1 state ranked football team at P.J. Jacobs. He also played football for St. Thomas University and continued playing sports throughout his life. He was well known for hosting tennis tournaments at his home; creating the Vetter Invitational Racquetball Tournament, which featured some of Stevens Point's fiercest talent; and in his later years, organizing a cut-throat family ping pong tournament featuring the coveted Brett Favre trophy.

Not only was Hans an athlete, he also was a fan. His earliest heroes included Vince Lombardi, Bart Starr and Ray Nitschke. From the time he was a young man, Hans never missed a Packer home game and enjoyed dissecting every play and Packer touchdown on the drive home from Lambeau Field.

He will be fondly remembered for his love of the family's cottage at Lake Emily, boating adventures in Minocqua, appreciation of church picnics and bingo, a good laugh, a cold beer with peanuts (or popcorn) and the time honored cocktail hour. Above all, Hans believed in living life to the fullest, spreading kindness and leaving a legacy of pride in family and respect for all.

Hans had a special affection for young people. Throughout his life, he loved spending time with his children, step-children and grandkids. During his retirement years, he also had a very special connection with the littlest children he would ferry back and forth to school as a bus driver. He treasured the very special notes and treats they'd share with their beloved "Mr. Bus Driver." Hundreds of children have been the beneficiaries of Hans' patience, laughter and mentoring. He was a man who truly made a difference.

Hans was preceded in death by his first wife, Jacqueline; parents, Buzz and Dorothy; siblings, Bill (Franz), Mary Murphree and Ginger McDevitt; daughter, Vicky; step-children, Darcy and Todd Schwartz.

Hans is survived by his wife, Sherri; son, Hans (Martha); daughter, Christine (significant other Michael Kurtz); step-daughter, Deidre Jordan (Sean). Grandchildren include, Valerie Vetter, Jacqueline (Matt) Vetter-Boos, Hans Vetter, Logan Wiese and Sidney Wiese. Hans also leaves five great-grandchildren; and very special brother-in-law, friend and confidant, Kurt Viertel; and beloved nieces Jennifer Delaney and Jackie Kerchefski.

Friends may call on Saturday, March 14 from 9-11 a.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Steven Point. Mass of the Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. at St. Stephen. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the St. Michael's Foundation, attn: Vetter Family Alzheimer's Endowment or attn: Breast Care Center, 900 Illinois Avenue, Stevens Point, WI 54481.