Name: Calling hours for Mike Vanden Avond
Start: 2016-12-28T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-12-29T02:00:00.000Z
Location: St. John - St. James Lutheran Church

Vanden Avond, Mike

Michael John "Mike" Vanden Avond, 68, Reedsville, passed away unexpectedly on Christmas Eve, surrounded by family. The son of the late Bernard "Ben" and Patricia "Pat" (Winnekin) Vanden Avond was born November 2, 1948.

On June 10, 1978 he married Brenda Behnke at St. John - St. James Lutheran Church in Reedsville. They raised two girls together, and enjoyed golfing and bowling together until her passing in 1993.

Mike had a passion for sports. There were few summer days you couldn't find him at the golf course. He passed up very few shots on the basketball court and he was an accomplished second baseman during his time at UW-Oshkosh.

Mike was a former member of the Reedsville Lions Club, and was active in supporting Reedsville athletics. He was a coach for Reedsville High School baseball and softball and Reedsville Middle School basketball for many, many years. In 1999, he was inducted into the Lakeshore Sports Hall of Fame.

Above all, Mike loved his family. He was so proud of the strong women his two little girls grew to be, and was happiest surrounded by his grandkids. Whether it was a tee ball or peanuts game, JV basketball game, Christmas concert or a dance performance, you would find Mike there supporting his grandchildren.

Mike is survived by his daughters, Adrianne Helberg and Alison (Ron) Prochnow, both of Reedsville, and seven grandchildren, Peyton, Avery, Adeline, Ben, Zach, J.J., all of Reedsville, and Mitchell of Brillion.

He is further survived by his siblings, Barb (Howie) Pritzl, Reedsville, Keith (Lisa) Vanden Avond, De Pere, Mary Kay (Donald "Jake") Maertz, Reedsville, and Sue (Don) Haese, Reedsville; his parents-in-law, Henry and Doris Behnke and brother-in law Bruce (Vicki) Behnke, Green Bay.

He is even further survived by his Godchildren, many nieces and nephews, as well as other members of his extended family.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Brenda; parents, Ben and Pat; and other members of his extended family.

Family and friends may call at St. John - St. James Lutheran Church, 219 Manitowoc Street, Reedsville, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, December 28, 2016. Visitation will continue at church at 9:00 AM on Thursday, December 29, 2016 until the funeral service begins at 11:00 AM.

Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere, is assisting the Vanden Avond family. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established.

The family would like to thank the Reedsville First Responders and Valders EMTs.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter on Dec. 28, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Mike Vanden Avond

Sponsored by Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory - De Pere.

11 Entries

Joyce & Bob Sandberg

January 3, 2017

Dear Allison and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about your Dad. Our Deepest Sympathy and Our Thoughts and Prayers, are with you. BJ told me about your Dad today.
Take Care and God Bless.
Love Joyce and Bob

December 30, 2016

Mike was a friend to anyone he met. His humor and wit will be sorely missed. His family and loved ones are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care.

Gary and Dennis Riemer

Ron and Carolyn Sebo

December 30, 2016

Sorry to hear about the death of your brother Mike. We enjoyed working with him when he was with the insurance now with you Mary Kay. Also to his daughters and grandchildren. May God Bless and comfort you now and in the days to come
Ron and Carolyn Sebo

Steve Sanders

December 28, 2016

Our deepest condolences and prayers to your entire family. Mike was a great person always quick with a smile and a friendly quip. May you be at peace knowing he is now in our loving Saviors hands. May your memories be warm as you celebrate his life.

Steve and Jan Sanders

Greg Sheehy

December 28, 2016

We are saddened to hear of Mike's passing. He was a great guy and loved sports so much. May he now rest in our Father's arms in heaven with his parents. Sincerely sorry for your loss. Greg & Debbie Sheehy and family

Bob Blizzard

December 28, 2016

Mike and I played many games of basketball, had many chuckles and maybe had a drink or two together. He will be missed.

Gail Wagner-Ryan

December 28, 2016

To all of Mike's Family, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great guy that will surely be missed by many. May you all be a comfort to one another during this difficult time.
Again, my deepest sympathy.

Norm Olp

December 28, 2016

I am very sorry for your loss. Mike did a lot of work for me at Wayside Estates when his daughter ran it. He tagged all the keys and mailboxes and a lot of the small stuff while he spent time with her. GOD bless you all, Iknow he will be missed very much by all.

Charles Swoboda

December 28, 2016

To Keith, Mary Kay, Sue and the entire VandenAvond family, I extend my sincere sympathy for your loss! I've always enjoyed my conversations with Mike. Always had a smile on his face, and such a wonderful person to be around.

Lavonne Dietrich

December 28, 2016

Good Bye to an old friend, teammate, high school classmate and best man at our wedding.

We had not seen Mike for many years and were so fortunate to catch up at the Popp's wedding in October. Years had passed, but the memories seemed like yesterday.

Our deepest condolences to the Vanden Avond family and may he rest in God's peace.

Lavonne and Barbara Dietrich

Gary Reinke

December 27, 2016

I enjoyed working with Mike at Crafts Roofing and playining fastpitch softball with and against him. Also, having officiated many basketball games over the years at Reedsville High School, I don't think I ever worked a game there without having an enjoyable chat with Mike after the game. I will miss him. He was a great Reedsville fan.
Truly
Gary Reinke

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