Anthony Joseph Van Ess

Anthony “Tony” Van Ess, 82, De Pere, passed away Friday, September 28, 2018, with his loving wife, children and many of his grandchildren at his side. Anthony was born on February 22, 1936, to the late Carl and Lena (Ambrosius) Van Ess. He was a graduate of St. Norbert College and was employed as an accountant at the Green Bay Press Gazette for 39 years. He married Sandra DuChateau on June 6, 1959, at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

All who knew Tony enjoyed how he could light up a room with his everlasting enthusiasm and contagious, bright smile. Music was his passion and as an accomplished piano accordion player, he entertained many playing in the Vantastics with his dad, brother, and later, his sons. He used his musical gift to lift the spirits of those around him and was known to sit down at a shopping center, hotel, hospital or anywhere there was a piano, bringing joy to numerous people. Playing Santa Claus to many different groups, especially those with special needs, was dear to his heart.

He was an active member of the Optimist Club, the National Postal Forum, the AFM Musicians Union, and served as the president of the Holy Name Society. After retirement, he enjoyed distributing communion to the home bound and traveling with his wife and family. Tony believed in a strong work ethic and the importance of education which he passed on to his children and grandchildren.

Tony will be sadly missed by his loving wife Sandy and six children; David (Morie) Van Ess, sons, Michael and Matthew; Kevin (Denise) Van Ess sons, Dr. Nicholas (fiancé, Dr. Josie Meis) and Alexander; Mary Kay (Dr. Domenic) Pulito, children, Kayla, Domenic, Jack and Antonio; Amy (Dr. Gordon) Krueger, sons Anthony and Kevin; Dr. James (Michelle) Van Ess children, Benjamin and Evelyn; Thomas (friend, Laura Callahan) Van Ess sons, Devon and Addam. Three great grandchildren; Harper, Brooks and Maggie.

He is further survived by Marjorie (Eugene) Hietpas, Mary (Thomas) Froelich, Jane (Gregg) Cornell, James and Penny DuChateau, Jeanne Jennings and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents, brother Jerome, in-laws Syl and Evelyn DuChateau, and godchild Cheryl (Hietpas) Lindsley.

Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Avenue, De Pere, on Monday, October 1, from 4:00-7:30 pm. A parish prayer service will be held at 7:30 pm. Visitation will continue on Tuesday at Resurrection Parish, 333 Hilltop Drive, Allouez, from 9:30 am until 10:15 am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 am with Fr. James T. Baraniak, O.Praem officiating. Entombment in Allouez Chapel Mausoleum will be private.