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Joseph Van Dam Obituary
Theda Clark Hospital in Neenah. In January of 1923, his parents and two older brothers emigrated here from Holland, and Joe was born on March 21, of that same year. He attended the Algoma High School, where he excelled in sports, drama, and music. Until the age of 28, Joe worked for his father at Van Dam & Sons Feed Mill, and then entered the United States Navy where he served as a Seabee. On May 7, 1949, he married Gerry, and the couple was blessed with sixty-two years together. Joe worked at Square D in Milwaukee and resided in Grafton from 1951 until 1972. He then became the head of maintenance and the safety director at JI Case in Winneconne where he worked for sixteen years, retiring in 1986. In his retirement, he operated J and G Enterprises, maintenance, remodeling, and carpentry service. Joe enjoyed working in his woodshop, fishing and RVing. His favorite sayings were, "Who needs a hobby when you have an RV," and "Getting old ain't for sissies!" Joe was also grateful to make connections with his heritage and family members on a trip to Holland in 2004.
Joe is survived by his loving wife: Gerry; three daughters: Margie (Tom) Bertram, Susan (Tom) Hopfensperger, and Jody (Bill) Bertram, all of Appleton; a son: Dave (Barb) Van Dam of Oshkosh; his grandchildren: Joseph ( Julie) Bertram, Sara (Jamie) Nelson, Kerry (Jason) Przybylski, Stephanie (Brian) Snyder, Jennie Hopfensperger, Jeff Hopfensperger, Tracy (Jeff) Vandenbusch, Tim Bertram, Holly Van Dam, and Amanda Van Dam; and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents: Garrett and Catherine (Van Rooy) Van Dam, brothers: Leo and John; and grandsons: Matt Bertram and Andrew Bertram.
The funeral liturgy for Joe will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at ST. MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 312 S. State Street in Appleton, with Fr. Jim Leary, OFM Cap. officiating. Burial will take place at St. Mary's Cemetery in Algoma at a later date. Friends may call at the church on Saturday morning from 9:00 AM until the hour of the service. A memorial fund in Joe's name is being established.
Joe loved his family and they were his life. His passing leaves a hole in our hearts and he will be greatly missed. We love you.
Wichmann
Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton 739-1231
Online condolences www.wichmannfargo.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Van Dam
6 Entries
Best Dance Couple
Jackie Stick
January 2, 2012
Dear Aunt Gerry and Family,
The LORD care's most about what's in your heart and the ability to provide for your family and loved one's.
Uncle Joe did both! The IMMENSE love he showed towards his family and friends will forever live on. His true love for OUR LORD is now his greatest reward. You are all in my prayer's. Love, Jackie
Sharon Mead
January 1, 2012
Uncle Joe gave a lot to this life. He was loved by many and he will be missed. I will not forget him.
Lisa Blohm
December 23, 2011
Gerry, I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear about the loss of Joe. He was an incredible man and I am so glad that I got to know him as well as your family. Know that there is another angel looking down upon you. Lisa Blohm and Family
Nard and Ans Jansen
December 9, 2011
Dear family,
Sad days too for us in Holland.
We remember our stay with Joe and Gerry in 2006. Their hospitality and the cosy family diner. We enjoined his warm company, the enthusiasm in his stories. We laughed about his humor and the amazing dutch words form Brabant he still new from his childhood. Being at Mayflower Drive felt so much at home!
We are very proud to have some of his products. We're using the beautiful cutting board every day, so in a way his hands are meeting ours daily.
With proud we remember the visit he had to Holland, visiting the windmill in Eerde and seeing the places where his father grew up. The emotions he had of meting the Van Dam family. `I´ve never seen so much Van Dam´s in one room´, were his famous words at the family encounter.
Uncle Joe will always be in our minds and hearts.
We wish you and all the family a lot of strength in the coming days and weeks and our thoughts and hearts are with you all.
Ans and Nard, Monnickendam - Holland
Nard and Ans Jansen
December 9, 2011
Dear family,
Sad days too for us in Holland.
We remember our stay with Joe and Gerry in 2006. Their hospitality and the cosy family diner. We enjoined his warm company, the enthusiasm in his stories. We laughed about his humor and the amazing dutch words form Brabant he still new from his childhood. Being at Mayflower Drive felt so must at home!
We are very proud to have some of his products. We're using the beautiful cutting board every day, so in a way his hands are meeting ours daily.
With proud we remember the visit he had to Holland, visiting the windmill in Eerde and seeing the places where his father grew up. The emotions he had of meting the Van Dam family. `I´ve never seen so much Van Dam´s in one room´, were his famous words at the family encounter.
Uncle Joe will always be in our minds and hearts.
We wish you and all the family a lot of strength in the coming days and weeks and our thoughts and hearts are with you all.
Ans and Nard, Monnickendam - Holland
Susan Benton
December 8, 2011
Joe was such an amazing man. The things he could do with a piece of wood! Always gracious, he had a great sense of humor and will be missed.
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