Donald Vandersteen

Donald J. Vandersteen, 88, of De Pere, beloved husband of 65 years to Mary (Bradtke) Vandersteen, went home with Jesus on Friday, May 20, 2016 surrounded by his family.

Don was born on August 2, 1927 in Green Bay, WI son of the late Alfred and Louise (Baeten) Vandersteen. Following graduation from Lincoln High School, Manitowoc, WI, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during World War II. Using the G.I. Bill he then enrolled in St. Norbert's College. He was a member of the Golden Knights Alumni. While working in the St. Norbert's library he met the love of his life Mary. Upon graduation he worked for G.M. Popkey Company, Prudential Insurance, and then spent 25 years with the Wisconsin Job Service as a Manager/Supervisor. Don had a great passion for helping people and it showed through the course of his career, as he worked to help people find work. In his retirement years he enjoyed getting together with his former buddies especially Jim D., Daryl, and Jim L. He also loved cooking meals while his wife was teaching piano. In his spare time Don enjoyed solving crossword puzzles and traveling the country with his wife at his side. Of the many things people will remember most about Don, is that he was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, and man of faith.


Donald is survived by his loving wife Mary of De Pere and their children: Michael (Julie) Vandersteen Sheboygan, WI, Paul (Barb) Vandersteen, James Vandersteen, Mary White, John Vandersteen, David (Lisa) Vandersteen Brooklyn, NY, Judith (Mike) Ledvina, Joseph (Kay) Vandersteen. Don also leaves a brother, Leland (Barbara) Vandersteen; sister-in-law, Virginia (James) Romanski Wausau, WI along with 17 grandchildren: Robert, Katie, Jason, Tanya, Molly, Elyse, Nicholas, Erin, Allison, Augusto, Iris, Lucas, Julia, Grace, Andrew, Claire, and Nathan, 2 great grandchildren, Caroline, and Leah along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 25th from 4 - 7 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home, 340 S. Monroe Avenue, Green Bay. Prior to the Mass of Christian Burial family and friends may call at the Fr. Ken DeGroot Center in St. Willebrord Church, 209 S. Adams Street, Green Bay on Thursday, from 9:00 AM - 10:15 AM, Mass will follow at 10:30 AM in the Sanctuary. The U. S. Navy will render Military Honors at the front of the Church following Mass. Interment will be private. To share a memory of Donald please click on the shared memories button above.