Donald "Don" J Vander Missen

Bellevue –

Donald “Don” Vander Missen passed away peacefully on December15, 2022, at his home of natural causes. Don was born on April 20, 1938, to Clarence and Mary (Verheyen) Vander Missen in De Pere, Wisconsin. Don graduated from Premontre High School, Green Bay, Wisconsin, in 1956. He married Carole (Nelson) in 1963, and God blessed them with two beautiful children, Judy and Paul. The marriage ended after 30 years, but they remained close friends and supportive of each other until his death. Don always was with his family on all holidays and birthdays.

Don began his career with Wisconsin Public Service Corporation in 1965 in their Sales Department and was promoted to Commercial Representative in 1968 in their Lakeshore Division in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. He relocated to their Green Bay Division when an opening occurred in 1979. One of Don’s proud accomplishments was the exterior lighting of St. Willebrord Catholic Church, Downtown Green Bay. He retired in his early 70’s.

God granted Don’s wishes to die while still living in his own home and not to get cancer. Don was still an active member of Resurrection Catholic Parish, Allouez. He never missed a weekend nor a Holy Day Mass. Don’s faith and religion were of utmost importance to him.

Fishing and camping were some of Don’s favorite leisure activities. He loved fishing with his brother, Dick. Don took his daughter Judy camping several weeks in summers for many years, including 2022. They fished every day that weather permitted but Judy usually out-fished him! In spite of that, they both enjoyed their fish fries together. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and proud of attending the 1967 Ice Bowl. Walking four miles daily was another activity Don enjoyed, especially the many people he met during his walks at the Kroc Center and YMCA.

Survivors include his daughter, Judy Vander Missen; son, Paul Vander Missen; sisters, Mary (Vander Missen) (Howard) Daanen, Karen (Vander Missen) (Thomas- deceased) Bellisle; nieces and nephews, Shelly (Vander Missen) (Bryan) Becker, Mike Vander Missen (Michelle), James Vander Missen (Molly), Lisa (Vander Missen) (Eric) Trousil, Todd Daanen (Mary), Linda (Daanen) (Dale) Joachim, Brenda Bellisle (Pat Nichols), Brad Bellisle, Randy Bellisle (Kim), Darren Bellisle and Jason Bellisle (Gwen); and many other relatives and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his brother Richard “Dick” Vander Missen and his wife Rosemary; Don’s brother-in-law Thomas Bellisle and niece, Lori (Daanen) (Jeffrey) Barber; and other various relatives.

A private family service will be held at Cotter Funeral Home. Entombment at Allouez Catholic Mausoleum to follow. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.