- John L. Vander Wielen, Appleton, age 60, passed away in the arms of his loving wife Bev, on Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at Appleton Medical Center. John passed away after a long, hard fought, courageous 10 year battle with diabetes. John was born on June 25, 1953 in Appleton, the son of the late Martin and Dorothy (Ceelen) Vander Wielen. On August 11, 1973 John was united in marriage to Bev A. Kelnhofer. They treasured 40 years together and were blessed with one daughter, Kristy. John worked in the printing industry prior to his home building business, Elegant Home Builders. John had a passion for restoring old cars, especially Mustangs. He also spent many hours repairing and rebuilding cars for his many friends.
Survivors include his devoted wife, Bev and their daughter, Kristy (Brian) Jeske and six grandchildren: Connor, Aurelia, Harrison, Charlotte, Grayson, Victoria, and Roman, who will be joining the family in March. John is also survived by his sister, Mary Vander Wielen, his three brothers: Tony (Bev), Joe (Marilyn), and Peter (Sue); brothers-in-law: John (Kris) Kelnhofer and Mike (Amy) Kelnhofer, sisters-in-law: Cathy (Gregg) Scheibe, Marie (Tom) Moser, and Sharon (Joe) Mann, numerous nieces, nephews, and special friends, Dave and Sue Erdmann and their children Michele and Nick.
Preceding him in death were his parents, three brothers: Frank, Ted, and an infant, Martin; in-laws: Arnie and Katie Kelnhofer; brothers-in-law: Dick and Larry Kelnhofer.
A celebration of John's life will be held at BOETTCHER FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 2401 Fieldcrest Dr., Kaukauna on Monday, January 27, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Bev and Kristy would like to express their love to John's sister Mary, for the precious gift of a healthy kidney, that gave John an additional twenty seven years of life. This gift of time allowed John to enjoy his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren.
John's family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to all of the doctors, nurses, and medical support staff for their excellent care and compassion during the past nine months.
Sweetheart
Thank you for putting up such a strong, relentless fight to stay with us.
Although 600 "I Love You" a day couldn't keep you safe with me, know that those 600 will continue for all eternity.
I will see you just as soon as the time is right. Watch for me.
xoxo Bev
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent on Jan. 24, 2014
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1953 - 2014 (60 years)
Obituary
