Lamers, Robert J. "Bob"

Other Events:

• Obituary: 15 Apr 2018; APC

Notes:

Obituary:
Kaukauna - Robert J. "Bob" Lamers, age 79, passed away on Thursday April 12, 2018. He was born November 24, 1938 to the late Hugo and Genevieve (Meier) Lamers. Bob married Mary Ann Burton on August 18, 1962 and they enjoyed 55 years together. After serving 6 years in the Navy where he was a boxer, Bob worked at Thilmany for 42 years, retiring in 2003. Bob was very involved in his community and had a passion for sports. He spent many years coaching youth basketball, baseball, and boxing. He was instrumental in starting CYO basketball and the Men's Open tournament at Holy Cross in Kaukauna, and worked as an umpire for over 30 years. He served as an alderman for the city of Kaukauna for 20 years, and a term on the Outagamie County board. In his working days Bob was very involved with his local union, and was proud of the Local 20 New Years Eve free ride program he organized for many years. Age never stopped Bob from being the oldest participant in the "Old Timers" League, or jogging his many daily miles. Fitting in a golf game with his buddies was always something he looked forward to, even when he could no longer locate his ball. His physical wellness held up - it was the brain that would finally slow him down. "Honest to God" as Bob would say. Bob will be making his final donation to VA-BU-CLF Brain Bank -Boston University to further the study of CTE and TBI.
Bob is survived by his wife Mary Ann; Children: Marie (Tom) Dercks, Kaukauna; Jodi (Chuck) Bruecker, Kaukauna; and Jon (Teri) Lamers, St. Louis Park, MN; Grandchildren: Melissa Dercks, Kristin (Ben) Duffy, Ben and Bailee Bruecker, Natalie, Megan and Samantha Lamers; Great Grandchildren Mase, Mera, and Grey Duffy, and Beckett Dercks. His sisters Mary (Pete) Vanevenhoven; Donna (Stan) Fisher; In-laws Jerry Burton and LuAnn Burton; Ellen (John) Heydenreich.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson Travis Dercks, sister Betty and her husband Bob Berghuis, in-laws Cy and Dorothy Burton, and sister in-law Karen Burton. A private service will be held at a later date.
The family would like to express our gratitude to the wonderful people at Brewster Village, past and present, for the care given Bob over the past years
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent on Apr. 15, 2018

Robert married Burton, Mary Ann [Group Sheet]

Marie married Dercks, Thomas [Group Sheet]

Jodi married Bruecker, Charles Gerard (son of Bruecker, Gerald Joseph and Berken, Bernice Lois) [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• Obituary: 22 Apr 2018; APC

Notes:

Obituary:
Kaukauna - Travis "Willy" Dercks was given the gift of life on November 18, 1985 to Tom & Marie Dercks, a gift that was sadly given back on April 11, 2018. Travis was never a man of many words but you always felt his kind heart and strong personality. Travis loved snowmobile racing, Jack-and-Coke, the family cottage and his "toys" of which his truck & snowmobile were his pride and joy.
His life path was altered on a fateful day May 16, 2007. Travis suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury due to an industrial accident. Though this accident laid out a path full of physical hurdles, Travis never chose to be the victim. He never chose to stop amazing those around him-he was our fighter! Through these hurdles, Travis showed unmatched strength and determination allowing him to remain around his most cherished thing - family and those he loved. His never ending struggle to gain back a life lost made his final fight too cumbersome on a tired soul. It's been an honor, a privilege and our greatest joy to raise this beautiful and kind-hearted young man as our own. To say we are proud of him is an understatement!
Travis' job over the last eleven years was to simply teach those around him many valuable life lessons: love and determination, what's truly important; a smile can fix anything; music can be your motivation-"Simply the Best"; he made you a softer-stronger-compassionate-better person by simply knowing him. Travis gently reminded those he encountered that a traumatic brain injury may have taken his voice but it definitely didn't take his roar! Above all; acceptance for those most vulnerable.
To those who never gave up on Travis' journey we are forever grateful. The love, care and acceptance you have shown both Travis and his family sustained us through the darkest of moments allowing celebration of all those gains. The Dercks family has become so much larger because of Travis.
Travis will always be loved and missed by his sisters Melissa and Kristin (Ben) Duffy. Leaving behind nieces and nephews Mase, Mera & Grey Duffy and Beckett Dercks who will miss those chair rides and Uncle snuggles on the mat. Grandmother Mary Lamers along with many aunts and uncles. Travis was greeted upon passing by grandparents Ben/Claire Dercks; Bob Lamers and GB. Our blessing may have been cut short but feel honored to have called Travis our son, brother, nephew, uncle and grandson!
Travis was loved and cared for deeply by his "angels" Tina; Sam, Sarah, Robin, Amy, Brittany, Terry, Cora, Crystal, Deb, Gail, Krista, Kelly, Mehgan along with so many others over the years. Therapists who never stopped pushing Travis forward. Best friend Todd Schuh and Bill Stingle who remained true to the end. Special thanks to Travis' Physicians-Dr Taleon; Dr Duppler; Dr VanSistine; Dr Zantow; Dr Wascher; Dr Karl Green; Dr Novak & Dr Bellg along with Fox Valley Pulmonology Medicine; ThedaCare Hospitalists Group & System for seeing beyond the physical limitations providing highest level of care and compassion. To Chaplain KC for being their day one and holding our hands on the last! Travis made everyone a better person by simply knowing him. You should all be proud & share in Travis' successes!
There was so much more to do but we gave Travis our blessings to spread his wings and fly. Until we meet again; may your spirit & memories carry us and your love remain attached to our broken hearts. You will remain the glue holding us together - Rest Easy, ride slow & fly high 191!
The entire Dercks family will have a celebration of Travis' life on August 11th starting at 3:30pm at Travis' favorite place - family yard. Those wishing to celebrate Travis' life are welcome!
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent on Apr. 22, 2018