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Donald Vande Wettering Obituary
Donald J. Vande Wettering, "Blackie", Darboy, age 80, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at his home. He was born August 19, 1934 in Appleton, WI, son of the late John and Marie (Vanden Van) Vande Wettering. Blackie was a Korean War Veteran, honored with the Purple Heart. After serving in the navy, he returned home and worked at Kimberly Clark. He later was self-employed as a trucker. Blackie was an avid horseman and enjoyed trail riding with friends. He was also a sports fanatic, enjoyed cribbage and spending time with his horse Chance and his mule, Annabelle.
He is survived by his children: Cheryl Buelow (special friend Mike Lamers), Kim (Brian) Romenesko, Jay (Laurie) Vande Wettering, and Linda (Jim) Theobald; 12 grandchildren: Tara (Ryan) Young, Troy (Trisha) Buelow, Billie (Nate) Bougie, Erika Carrizales, Tyler Sitar, Tanner Sitar, Rachael Sitar (fiancé Eric Willis), Reilly Traynor, Angie (Ryan) Polenz, Kyle Vande Wettering, Eric (Kimberly) Bombinski, and Mackenzie Theobald; 11 great-grandchildren: Leigha, Larissa, Monica and Marah Young, Alivia and Isla Buelow, Will Bougie, Jacobi Willis, Aidan, Declan and Charlotte Polenz; his siblings and in-laws: Jim Vande Wettering, Gary "Butch" (Patty) Vande Wettering, Dick (Donna) Vande Wettering, Sue Lowney, Dan (Jayne) Vande Wettering and Vernon Romenesko; special friends: Judy, Jessie and Julie; numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Cleo Romenesko and a brother-in-law, Mike Lowney.
A Memorial Service for Blackie will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 14, 2014 at BOETTCHER FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 2401 Fieldcrest Dr., Kaukauna. Friends may call at the funeral home from 5:30 p.m. until the time of service. Full Military Rites will take place at the funeral home following the service. Burial will take place in King, WI. In Lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. www.boettcherfamilyfuneral.com 766-2099
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Memories and Condolences
for Donald Vande Wettering
Kim Molepske
December 6, 2020
Blackie you live on through all your horse back riding friends , you are present at every camp fire many a tale of you are told. You are missed.
Kim Molepske
December 6, 2019
He was one of my best riding buddies from the time I met him till the time he left us,he will always be with me riding where ever I go . Miss you my friend
Hugs and Kisses Kim
,.
Honey & Terry Garvey
December 15, 2014
Our condolences to the whole VandeWettering Family - all Blackie's children, grandchildren and siblings - Blackie was a good guy and I'm sure he is in a better place watching over all of you - remember the good times and take comfort in the fact that he didn't have to suffer a lot.
December 15, 2014
Loved to watch him and Annabelle at the mule and donkey show! He will be missed by man and beast.
December 14, 2014
Please accept my condolences for your loss. Don and I were friends many years ago when he was a Freshman and I was a Sophomore at Freedom High School. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Roger Van Ryzin
December 14, 2014
You will be missed my friend in my heart forever !
Love you
Kim
Diane Johnson
December 13, 2014
Cheryl, Kim, Jay and Linda,
I am so sorry to hear that your Dad passed away; it appears it was sudden and hopefully involved no suffering. As a sister-in-law to your Dad many years ago, I couldn't have asked for a better brother-in-law. He was a great man! My prayers will be that peace will eventually be with you.
Pam
December 12, 2014
Blackie filled a piece of my heart I can never replace. I will miss him dearly. Thank you for being a true friend and riding buddy of mine. Thank you for allowing a poor single mom to enjoy some getaways:) You live on in my heart
Tim Burr DeCoster
December 12, 2014
RIP Blackie last time I seen him was a few years ago and he gave me some good advice i.ll always remember that.Thanks for the memories.
December 12, 2014
Blackie, we will miss you sitting at the counter several times a week. It won't be the same. We all think your terrific. Our prayers go out to the entire Vandewettering family. We are honored to have known such a great guy.
Lynn School
December 12, 2014
Linda,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember your dad from way back. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Joe & Sue Coenen
December 12, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with all of you.
Bill Greenwood
December 12, 2014
Blackie was always a good guy to all the kids in the neighborhood. Great memories. Our deepest sympathies to all the VandeWetterings. Bill & Julie Greenwood
December 12, 2014
Our deepest of sympathy to the Vander wettering family. Me and my boyfriend road horse and camp with him. We had a lot of story telling around camp about his great adventures. He sure did live life at it's fullest. Linda Vander Heiden & Loren Miller.
December 11, 2014
Our sympathy to the Vande Wettering family. Your memories of your Dad, Grandpa, etc, are special and will bring you peace and joy in the future. To us kids, Blackie was a caring and friendly bus driver, who watched over the kids and always made us feel safe. God's Blessings to You All!
Cheryl (Abhold) and Dave Weyers.
Gene & Barbara Manders
December 11, 2014
I remember Blackie as my bus driver when I rode the school bus , now from many breakfast / lunch @ D & G restaurant. going to miss you friend.enjoyed many a funny story together.
RIP Blackie
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