SGT. David James Van Eperen Jr.

Thirty-eight years ago, on May 27, 1986, David James Van Eperen, Jr. was born. It is with overwhelming sadness and broken hearts that we announce Dave left us unexpectedly on August 7, 2024, far too soon. He was a dedicated dad, a son, a brother, an uncle, a nephew, a cousin, a soldier and a friend to many.
Dave was a graduate of Hortonville High School and later earned an Associate's Degree in Veterinary Technology and a Technical Certificate for Emergency Medical Services. He was employed at Legacy Flexo Printers for several years.
In 2006, he became a soldier, known by his battle brothers as SGT (Doc) Van Eperen. He enlisted in the Army National Guard, Delta Company of the 2-127th Infantry Unit, 32nd Infantry (Red Arrow) Division. He was deployed in 2009-2010, Operation Iraqi Freedom. His assignment was medic. He served and protected with the valor and the distinction of a warrior. He ended his career with the rank of Sergeant. During his year-long tour of duty, he suffered a near fatal injury from a roadside Improvised Explosive Device (IED). It wasn't his time to go, he still had more to do. Unfortunately, the side effects of war are many and they did not stay in Iraq; they came home with him, as well as, with many other soldiers who served with him. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is real and demands immediate attention. No soldier can erase what they experienced each and every day during their tour. These life changing experiences continue on after they are home. You can't wish them away. Soldiers should never be considered weak or have to suffer a reprimand for seeking mental health help. All soldiers should be privileged to the best possible care and held in the highest respect for all of the sacrifices they have endured for all of us. "War is War and Hell is Hell. And of the two, War is a lot worse. Hell has no innocent bystanders, but war is chock full of them." Capt. Benjamin Franklin 'Hawkeye' Pierce." (M*A*S*H)
Dave had a passion for music and singing, playing guitar, country music, wolves (howling with Lexi), playing video games, puzzles, and Legos with the kids, motorcycles, skydiving, wakeboarding, fishing, and bow and gun deer hunting. Some of his favorite places to go were Lake Poygan, Pumpkin Seed Creek, Boom Bay, the Mouth of the Wolf River, and the Willows in our woods. He enjoyed helping out on his brother Jason's farm operations whenever he could. Dave lived his life at full throttle and with fearlessness. There was no half way effort with Dave. If there was a job to do, look out, as he would work circles around anyone. Dave was a protector, humble, and polite. He loved to teach the things that interested him. He, his brothers and sisters were always quick with a quote from their favorite movie lines whenever the timing was right.
Dave is survived by his children, who he loved to the moon and back, Lexi, Colton, and Adam, his parents: Judy and David, brothers: Jason (Carey), Adam (Amanda), Mike, sisters: Stacy (Jeremy), and Kayla (Jim). Nephews: Leo, Henry, Wesley, Nieces: Katy, Morgan, Aubrielle. Aunts: Betty, Margie (Glenn), Joannie, Irene, Ellen (Bob), Mary, Dorie, Jeannie, Christy (Andy), and many cousins, relatives, and friends.
Dave was preceded in death by grandparents: Melvin and Doris Hegner and Walter and Beverly Van Eperen, Aunt Phyllis Anderson, Uncles: Bill Hegner, Dan Hegner, Bob Smith, Dean Anderson, Bob Kiefer, and Cousin Michael Borchardt.
We love you. You are missed more than you could ever possibly imagine. We will keep you in our hearts forever; your memories will be with us always.
The funeral service honoring Dave will be held at 4:30 pm on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond Street, Appleton, WI 54911 with Pastor Mary Bauer officiating. Visitation for Dave will be from 1:00 to 4:30 pm. Full military honors will follow the service. A memorial fund is being established.
Forever In Our Hearts
Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow,
But remember me in every tomorrow.
Remember the joy, the laughter,
The smiles
Although my leaving causes pain and grief,
My going has eased my hurt and given me relief.
So dry your eyes and remember me,
Not as I am now but as I used to be.
I will remember you all and look on with
A smile,
As long as I have the love of each of you,
I can live on my life in the hearts of all of you.
Author Unknown
Remember me with smiles and
Laughter, for
That is how I
Will remember you.
Laura Ingalls Wilder
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