Donald Vande Hei

Donald P. Vande Hei, age 94, passed away peacefully, doing the thing he loved the most Farming, on April 9, 2024. He was born on July 28, 1929, to the late Albert and Gertrude (Hoffman) Vande Hei. On June 19, 1952, he married the love of his life, Helen A. Garrity, at St. Joseph's Church, De Pere, celebrating 71 great years of marriage.

Don served in the US Army from 1951 to 1952. He was a member of the American Legion Post 106 in Seymour. As a member, he enjoyed marching in the Color Guard. He was a member of the VFW Post #7784, and the Knight's of Columbus Post #2990. Dad enjoyed the camaraderie with his fellow Veterans.

Following his service in the Army, Don worked on a farm in De Pere, then bought the farm near Seymour, WI, with a dollar down and a handshake. He farmed there for most of his life, until his son took over, then he helped with feeding the calves, and in the last 6 months he fed the rabbits and collected eggs. Dad loved farming his whole life. In 1962 Don won Outagamie Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year.

Dad will be remembered as a selfless man, always putting his family and others first. Don loved playing cards with his family and friends, spending time at his son's cabin to celebrate his birthday with all of his family. Don had a smile on his face and never had a bad thing to say to anyone. He will be sincerely missed!

Along with his wife, survivors include his children: Daniel Vande Hei, Green Bay, Michael (Cathy) Vande Hei, Greenville, Peter Vande Hei, Wonewoc, Judy (Rayce) Townsend, Lewistown, MT, Kelly Vande Hei, Seymour, Gerald (Ann) Vande Hei, Little Suamico, Jill Vande Hei (Robert Rudnick), Laura Stuckert, Antigo, Allen (Nicole) Vande Hei, Seymour, and Joy (Josh) Anderson, Antigo; 36 grandchildren; and many great grandchildren.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Gertrude; father-in-law and mother in- law, George and Helen Garrity; brothers Francis (Dolores), Vande Hei, and Dave (Sunny) Vande Hei; sisters: Dorothy Vande,Hei, Ruth (Robert) Blonde, Arlene (James) Boeya; one daughter Jane Angrabright, and one grandson, Donald Rothbauer.

Visitation for Don will take place at St. Sebastian's Catholic Church, Seymour, on Friday, April 12, 2024 from 9:00 am until the funeral mass at 11:00 am with Fr. Sengole Dass and Deacon Rich Matuszak officiating. Military honors will be conducted by American Legion Post 106 of Seymour. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery.

Online condolences may be expressed to Donald's family at www.muehlboettcher.com