Ronald John Van Lanen

Ronald John Van Lanen, Town of Lawrence, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2024, at Unity Hospice. He was born on January 5, 1942, to Essie Mae (Manders) and Norman Van Lanen.
He was the youngest of his brother Joe and sister Sandy. During his childhood he lived in West De Pere and attended WDP High School and graduated in 1960.
He was in the U.S. Navy from January 1964 to December 1967 at the Navel Amphibious Base in Little Creek, VA. He was discharged as Yeoman Second Class. He married Donna Mae Theunis on April 20,1968 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Wrightstown, WI.
He was a member of the Brown County Sheriff Department from February 1969 until December 1995 when he retired as Lieutenant. He was the interim Patrol Captain for most of 1995. He was also a Process Server for 21 years for Patrick Zelzer & Associates. He was elected as Municipal Court Judge for Hobart – Lawrence in May 2006 and retired in 2021.
Ronald was very active with retired activities of the County Sheriff Department such as the Monument Brick Memorial & the "playing of taps" annually at the Wayne Truttman Memorial. He enjoyed having coffee every Thursday and Friday with different Sheriff Department retirees.
In July 2018, he was honored to go on the Old Glory Honor Flight with his son, Dan, and a member of the De Pere Legion Post 30. He cared about the Vietnam Veterans and the Navy very much. He enjoyed music from the 50's, his collection of Silver Screen Cowboys and Memorabilia of cowboy actors.
He is survived by his wife Donna, his children; Sara (Jeff) Hockers, Teri (Special friend Steve Phillips) Olson, and Dan Van Lanen. Grandchildren; Breckyn & Caeden Hockers, Maxwell & Ashlynn Olson. Sister; Sandra Smetana, as well as Donna's family; Carl (Sharon) Theunis, Lou Ann (Carl) Zeamer, Karen (Gary) Tetzlaff, Don Tennessen, as well as nieces and nephews.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, father and mother-in-law Elmer & Geraldine Theunis, brother Joseph (Donna) Van Lanen and brother-in-law Leonard Smetana. Sister-in-law Mary Tennessen.
Friends may call at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1305 Lourdes Ave., De Pere from 4:00PM – 7:00Pm Friday, October 11,2024. Visitation will continue Saturday at Church from 9:00AM, until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00AM, with Fr. James Neilson O.Praem. officiating. Ryan Funeral Home, De Pere is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund will be established.
The family would like to express their gratitude to : Bellin Cardiology, Unity Hospice, especially Julie, Holly, Scott, and Megan, the staff at the Meng Hospice Residence, as well as the Green Bay Preble Optimist Club.