Donald Van Remortel

Donald Van Remortel, age 93, of De Pere, passed away on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at Angel’s Touch Assisted Living. Gus was the youngest child of August and Cora (Fink) Van Remortel born on May 28, 1930. Gus graduated from East De Pere High School and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army. He often said that he signed up for three years, but President Truman thought he was doing such a great job, he kept him an extra year.

Gus returned from Service and began what would be a long and proud career with Safeway Stores, Cheese Division. His career at Safeway extended over 40 years.

Gus married Mary Jane Smits on September 6, 1958, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. They were blessed with six children who will miss Dad’s piercing whistle when he wanted their attention. Gus was an avid bowler and fisherman who had a quick wit and an infectious laugh. In his retirement, Dad had a carefree, relaxed spirit. He “handled” things at home while Mom was busy in the community. When she returned home, he would sing, “Here she comes, Mrs. America.”

Gus is survived by his wife Mary Jane and his children: Mary Nitz, Diane (Dan) Hartwig, Paul (Robin) Van Remortel, Steve (Lisa) Van Remortel, David (Kelly) Van Remortel, and Andrew (Jennifer) Van Remortel. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Meghan and Marissa (Andrew) Mielke, Nick (Danielle) Nitz, Amy (Chris) Jackson, and Wendy (Troy Schneider); Luke (Alex), Jake, and Ben Hartwig (Annelies) Hartwig; Zach (Ali) Van Remortel, Maggie (Parker) Stoltzman, and Nate Van Remortel; Brittany (Sam), Mitch, Brooke, and Mackenzie Van Remortel; Jack and Lauren Van Remortel; and Marren and Isaac Van Remortel and great grandchildren Jasmine, Keyanna, Kaeliah, Janiyah, Kaia, Bohdan, Jaxten, Ezra, Abel, Rory and Finley. He is further survived by in-laws Clayton and Rose Smits, Joan Smits, Dorothy Allcox, and Barbara Smits, Sally Smits, and many nieces and nephews.

Gus was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings and in-laws: Viola (Anthony) Bangert, Victor (Marie) Van Remortel, Esther (Clarence) Gullicksen, Della Wilson, Vince (Janet) Van Remortel, Doris (Clarence) Zegers, LaVerne (Felix) Treml, and Ruby Van Remortel, in-laws Bertha (Don Baeten, Tom) Kazmierczak, Henry Smits, Marie (Sam) Albers, Donald (Phyllis) Smits, Tom Allcox, Jerome Smits, Robert (Ruth) Smits, Richard Smits, and Ken Smits, and son-in-law Steven Nitz.

Family and friends may gather at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 220 S. Michigan Street, De Pere, on Friday, May 10, from 5:00-7:00pm. A parish prayer service will be held at 7:00pm. Visitation will continue on Saturday, at the church, from 9:00am until 10:45am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am with Rev. Mike Ingold officiating. Full military honors will follow mass at church. Private burial will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in De Pere. Cotter Funeral and Cremation Care is assisting the family.

A special thank you to the VA Home Program, Home Instead, Helping Hands, Unity Hospice, and Angel’s Touch Assisted Living.