- Robert William Van Ooyen, 90, of Menasha died Friday February 10, 2017. He was born November 15, 1926 in Appleton, son of the late Howard and Jenny (Van Wyk) Van Ooyen. Robert married Mary Ellen "Mouse" Richlen on June 28, 1947. She preceded him in death on August 11, 2000.
Robert served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He earned the Victory ribbon, American Area ribbon, Asiatic Pacific ribbon, and the Philippine Liberation ribbon. He has been employed at Kimberly Clark and Lakeland as an electrician. Robert enjoyed camping, and later relaxing around a campfire at their trailer at Chute Pond in Mountain with his wife, Mouse. He loved fishing in all seasons, sailing, playing Sheepshead. Robert always enjoyed having a beer with family and friends. He was a good story teller cracking everyone up with his own special brand of humor. Robert loved all the many dogs he had over his lifetime especially his faithful and constant companions, Marty and Barney. He enjoyed spending time with his friends at Briarwood Cottages, especially with his special friend, Yvonne Gregorius, who made his days happier, He played cards at Briarwood Clubhouse and enjoyed taking their money, but he always said "They want it back!", so back he went for another game!
Robert is survived by his children: Susan (Neil) Buchberger, Daniel (Diane) Van Ooyen; six grandchildren: Jaime (Ed) Potopinski, Jessie (Alan) Stein, Jodey (Bob) Stocks, Abigail Van Ooyen, Brad Van Ooyen and Jenny Bootz; and five great-grandchildren: Amelia Stein, Braden Stein, Mason Stein, Riley Stein and Justin Stocks. He is also survived by two siblings: Nancy Gradl and William (Sue) Van Ooyen; a sister-in-law Gladys Mangaras; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Robert was further preceded in death by three siblings: James Van Ooyen, Mary Richlen, and Ellen Radloff; four brothers-in-law: Robert Richlen Sr, Richard Radloff, Gene Gradl and William Mangaras; many nephews, and long time close friend Arlene.
In keeping with Robert's wishes, no services will be held.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to both Judy Genske for all she has done for our Dad, including saving his life 2 years ago and especially for all her help the day he passed, and to a good friend Mary Fritsch, who was like a sister to us.
"Fisherman's Prayer"
I pray that I may live to fish until my dying day. And when it comes to my last cast, I then most humbly pray. When in the Lord's great landing net and peacefully asleep, that in His mercy I be judged big enough to keep.
Dad, you are a keeper and you'll always be missed dearly by all of us! Rest in peace.
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1926 - 2017 (90 years)
Obituary
