VanLieshout, Dr. Francis Xavier

Other Events:

• 1930 Census: 1930, Kimberly, Outagamie, Wisconsin, USA
• Other Info or Events: Aft 1951
• News Mention: Abt 2011

Notes:

1930 Census:
Frank Van Lieshout44
Marie Van Lieshout35
Marie Van Lieshout16
Martha Van Lieshout14
Georgia Van Lieshout12
Katherine Van Lieshout9
Joseph Van Lieshout8
John Van Lieshout6
Theresa Van Lieshout5
Francis Van Lieshout2 [2 5/12]
Patrina Van Lieshout0 [5/12]

Other Info or Events:
Children; Susan, David, John, Monica, Mary, Paul, Elisabeth

News Mention:
Retired Little Chute physician Dr. Francis Van Lieshout earns Health Care Volunteer Award at Celebrating Our Volunteers 2011
APPLETON - If "Celebrating our Volunteers" mimicked the Oscars, Dr. Francis Van Lieshout would have been a shoo-in for the lifetime achievement award.
The Health Care Volunteer Award he receives Tuesday touches just one side of his lifelong volunteer resume.
"If you have time, treasure and talent, you have to share that," he said. "There are people in need who have to be helped."
Van Lieshout, 83, a retired Little Chute physician, is often called "Dr. Van" or simply "Doc." He worked pro bono when he knew someone didn't have money and was quick to jump in anywhere he saw a need. He was so appreciated by his community that a park was named in his honor in 1999.
His volunteer activities kept him serving the Fox Cities area before and after his retirement more than a decade ago.
He has sorted items at St. Vincent de Paul, for example, since 1998 and has been "the epitome of a loyal, dedicated, selfless volunteer," said volunteer coordinator Sister Jean Peerenboom, who nominated him.
"He doesn't think he deserves the award, but we know different," she said.
Van Lieshout graduated from Marquette University's School of Medicine in 1955. About five years later, he was diagnosed with cancer and had a colostomy. He counts what happened next as his most profound gift to others.
"My biggest contribution is the establishment of the colostomy group," he said. "There was a great need for education and support. Most people didn't want to talk about colostomy or cancer of the bowel. It was just such a terrifying thing."
He and a nurse at Appleton's St. Elizabeth Hospital started the group in 1965, when support groups were a radical idea. The group still meets monthly.
"To my knowledge, we were the first group of this nature," Van Lieshout said. "I had several people who told me they were contemplating suicide. They said, 'If you wouldn't have talked to me, I don't think I could have made it.'"
In 1998, Van Lieshout approached St. Vincent's about starting a small in-house clinic for the poor. Its leaders were skittish about the concept and instead invited him to stay as a volunteer. He did, and in 2010 alone logged more than 400 hours.
Each "Celebrating our Volunteers" honoree designates a charity to receive $5,000. As a passionate pro-life advocate, Van Lieshout chose Mother & Unborn Baby Care in Appleton, a nonprofit group that helps young women who choose to give birth rather than abort. They provide clothing, diapers, formula, child care and advice on finances and school.
"He's a wonderful person with a big heart," said M.J. Clements, the group's executive director. "He definitely deserves this award because he does so much for the community and for everyone."
Maureen Wallenfang: 920-993-1000, ext. 287, or mwallenfang@post crescent.com
Health Care Volunteer Award

The Health Care Volunteer Award recognizes a Fox Cities individual or group committed to improving the health and well-being of
others through volunteerism. Affinity Health System and ThedaCare sponsor the award, and $5,000 is donated to a charity of the recipient's
choosing.
Past recipients are: 2010: Richard Bauer; 2009: Dr. Rick Hilsabeck; 2008: Nadia Avellan; 2007: Ruebin "Chub" Olson and Richard Metzig; 2006: Ken Grode; 2005: Dr. Blaine "Bud" Claypool; 2004: Dr. William
Sickels; 2003: Lester Laedtke; 2002: Sam Bass; 2001: Rita Ristau; and 2000: Don and Marilyn Broulliard.

Francis married Mayhew, Josephine 11 Aug 1951, Kimberly, Outagamie, Wisconsin, USA. Josephine was born 19 Jun 1926, Lansing, Ingham, Michigan, USA; died 17 Dec 2016, Appleton, Outagamie, Wisconsin, USA. [Group Sheet]

Monica married Gamm, Steven (son of Gamm, Warren and Unknown, Margaret) [Group Sheet]