Michael N. Van Handel

Michael N. Van Handel "Mike," 74, Appleton

Loving husband, father, and grandfather, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. He was born to the late Arnold and Geraldine (Kohl) Van Handel on January 11, 1951, in Appleton. Mike married Judith "Judy" (Gruetzmacher) Van Handel on May 20, 1972, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Appleton. They shared 53 years of marriage.

Mike was a proud Mason and Master Artisan. He loved working with stone, tile, glass and creating art with his hands. Mike was also an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting and traveling and had the opportunity to travel the world with his sport. Mike got his start as a Mason after being indentured by the State of Wisconsin. Entering into the workforce of Construction with various Construction Companies. Then he worked at Appleton Papers as a Mason for 25 years until his retirement. He continued to be self-employed as a mason and tile setter, and he worked on many large projects over his lifetime. He was truly proud of his work and what he was able to accomplish.

It never "felt" like work to Mike, because he truly loved what he did. Mike's legacy of stone and tile work will be seen for many centuries here in Wisconsin and in Jardine, Montana, a place that was near and dear to his heart. He and Judy enjoyed spending time traveling the country and being with family and friends.

In recent years, Judy and Mike took many road trips across the U.S. He was able to get Judy in a hot air ballon ride in AZ. Mike's greatest treasure in life was his family. He lived for his family and would do anything for the people he loved.

Mike is survived by his wife, Judy; two children: Joseph A. (Cari) Van Handel, their children: Ethan J. and Rose J. Van Handel; Jessica J. (Brett) Zitzelsberger, and their children: Addisyn B. and Aubree L. Zitzelsberger; two brothers-in-law: Ronald E. (Vicki) Gruetzmacher, Kenneth J. (Terri) Gruetzmacher; two sisters-in-law: Beverly J. (Gary) Huettl and Diane M. (Dan) Sullivan; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, friends, cousins, and close friends Tom (Mary) Bolwork, Steve Holmes, Hank (Jody) Plautz and their daughter Amanda, Kirby Cartwright, Matt Wheeler and Warren (Sue) Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Arnold and Geraldine Van Handel, his grandparents; Joseph and Mary Van Handel; Norman and Louise (Ertl) Kohl Sr.; in Laws: Eldor and Arvilla (Patri) Gruetzmacher, and step mother-in-law Mary (Martin) Gruetzmacher.

A Funeral Mass to Celebrate Mike's life will be held at 11:30 AM, Wed, July 23, 2025, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 500 W. Marquette St, Appleton, with Rev. James Jugenheimer officiating. Friends may visit the family on Wed, directly at church from 9:30 AM until the time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund is being established.

We would like to thank Judy's brothers and sisters, and In-Laws for being part of our
wonderful family. Mike was so grateful that he had you all in his life and that you adopted him into their family. He was truly honored to know and love you all.